Leeds United's forgotten man, Laurens De Bock, appears to have already played his last game at Elland Road as a key update emerges on his future.

What's the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, Leeds Live's Beren Cross said: "Laurens De Bock's time at Leeds United is virtually over with another loan spell taking him to the end of his contract. Played plenty last term. #lufc"

And then, in a piece for Leeds Live, he wrote: "The left-back has 12 months remaining on the contract he signed in January 2018, but has always looked surplus to requirements under Marcelo Bielsa.

"This new loan deal will take De Bock to the end of his Elland Road deal and while it does not secure a transfer fee, it eases the wages United would have paid had he stayed put."

Radrizzani will be relieved

Earning a reported £15k-a-week, De Bock isn't one of Leeds' highest-earners, but the fact he'll be coming off the books once again this season, and then for good next summer, is sure to have Andrea Radrizzani relieved.

The Leeds owner won't want anyone simply picking up a pay-cheque for sitting on the sidelines or not being a part of Marcelo Bielsa's plans, and De Bock firmly falls in that category.

The 28-year-old has played just seven times in total for Leeds since joining the club from Club Brugge on a long-term contract back in January 2018.

Since then, he has been shipped out on loan, with his latest stint coming back in his native Belgium, where he played 31 times in the Jupiler Pro League for Zulte Waregem.

While Leeds may be a Premier League club now, and will get all the financial benefits and rewards because of it, Radrizzani will still want to continue to run a tight ship.

And sending De Bock out on loan and getting rid of his wages for the year, and then allowing him to walk away once his contract expires next summer, will keep the books in order.

It's exactly why the Leeds owner will be relieved at the latest news on De Bock.

Meanwhile, Graham Smyth has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update...