Blackburn Rovers are frontrunners to secure the service of Niall Huggins from Leeds United on a permanent deal, Football League World understands. 

Leeds are open to moving on a number of their U23s players this summer, with Leif Davis, Ryan Edmondson and Alfie McCalmont already sourcing loans in the EFL ahead of 2021/22.

It appears that Huggins could follow them out of the exit door too.

Football League World understands that it is Blackburn at the front of the queue to sign the left-back, although the Lancashire club's transfer embargo has put a pin in that potential deal up until now.

Tony Mowbray, though, hopes that will be lifted soon and allow him to start bringing players in at Ewood Park. Huggins is being lined up for a transfer still, with Rovers aiming to conclude a permanent deal despite rival interest from Swansea City and Coventry City.

The 20-year-old excelled for Leeds' U23s last season in the Premier League 2 Division 2, making 17 appearances as the Whites won promotion and the title. He scored twice and registered one assist, earning a chance to step up into Marcelo Bielsa's first-team picture.

Huggins debuted for the senior side in February's 4-2 defeat at Arsenal, playing 37 minutes at full-back after replacing Ezgjan Alioski.

Last December, Huggins agreed terms on a new two-and-a-half year deal with Leeds, tying him to the club until the summer of 2023.