According to Get West London, Leeds United have moved ahead of Sheffield Wednesday in the race to sign Harlee Dean from Brentford this summer.

Sheffield Wednesday were reportedly looking to secure a deal for Dean, who has moved into the final 12-months of his contract at Griffin Park.

However, the Owls have since moved to sign Frederico Venancio to compete with Glenn Loovens and Tom Lees, which has opened the door for Leeds to make their move on Dean.

The Bees are willing to cash in on their captain this summer, but remain relaxed over his future, despite the possibility of him leaving for free in less than 12-months.

Dean has been at Griffin Park for five-and-a-half years, initially on-loan, before making that move permanent in the summer of 2012.

The 26-year-old has been vital to Brentford’s rise through the Football League ladder, which has seen the London club climb from League One into the Championship, where they have established themselves as top 10 club.

Last season, Dean made 45 appearances across all competitions, helping Dean Smith’s side to a tenth-placed finish in the Championship table.

So far during the 2017/18 campaign, the defender has made just one Championship appearance, which came in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Bristol City.

The Verdict

Dean’s future remains unclear, with Brentford surprisingly relaxed over the defender’s contract situation.

Interest from Leeds and Sheffield is not a surprise, with both Yorkshire clubs looking to bolster their defensive options throughout the summer.

With Wednesday’s interest reportedly over, it has opened the door for Leeds to strike a deal, but there remains doubt surrounding their interest in Dean.

Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper and Matthew Pennington are all senior centre-backs at Elland Road, whilst Conor Shaughnessy has provided the trio with cover and impressed when given an opportunity, which has questioned Leeds’ need for another defender.

Brentford, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday fans… Let us know your thoughts!