Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of a huge European star.

What’s the latest?

Although the Whites reportedly remain interested in his services, Fabrizio Romano has issued a crushing statement on Cody Gakpo and his future.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Italian transfer insider said: “Leeds were closing on the deal, but it collapsed.

“Leeds tried to keep the deal open for January, and are still dreaming of [signing] Cody Gakpo, but the situation has completely changed.

“Now, the feeling around the player and PSV Eindhoven is that Gakpo will not end up at a club like Leeds or Southampton.

“It’s probably going to be a different level (of club). Top, important clubs around Europe, and England especially, are monitoring Cody Gakpo.”

Bad news for Orta

Having tried so profusely to attain his services over the summer, Victor Orta's failure now stands out even more given how the forward has excelled this season.

The fact he was so close to moving, as Romano notes, will make the pain even greater.

This campaign has seen the Dutchman truly explode, with the tricky winger having put up ridiculous stats in nearly every competition he has featured in.

He has scored nine and assisted nine more in 11 Eredivisie games, bagged three goals and assisted two in five Europa League fixtures and notched one and assisted two in one Johan Cruijff Schaal game too.

In total, that makes 26 goal contributions in just 17 games.

These numbers are distinctly unnatural, especially for a 23-year-old.

Leeds had their chance in the summer, but after performances like this, there is little chance they could tempt him. It is likely the very top of the game where he is destined now.

His performances and impact on the team have even led to Gakpo being named captain on multiple occasions this season; a glowing endorsement of his character as well as his quality.

This Romano update will be a hammer blow to Victor Orta, who tried his best but ultimately fell short over the summer to secure the deal.

Now, they will likely have to watch him go on to dominate European football and command fees the Whites could only dream of. It might be the Spaniard's biggest blunder yet.