Leeds United have been handed a big boost in their chase of Josko Gvardiol as Dinamo Zagreb exited the Champions League.
The Whites have been heavily linked with the young centre-back but face competition from RB Leipzig for his signature.
Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb were hesitant on making a decision on the future of their 18-year-old defender until after they faced Ferencvaros in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Victory would have put Zagreb one round away from a lucrative entry to the group stages, meaning they may well have held off agreeing to sell Gvardiol until after this round.
Yet they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Hungarian side Ferencvaros, who have already also knocked Celtic out of the tournament.
It means Zagreb may now be willing to discuss the future of Gvardiol.
The learning curve for the young defender at Europe's highest level was demonstrated in the defeat to Ferencvaros as he was at fault for the winning goal, failing to clear a loose ball and being outmuscled by Myrto Uzuni, who ran through to score.
Defeat all but ends Gvardiol's hopes of competing in the Champions League this season.
Whilst RB Leipzig are in the tournament - and Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti has claimed Gvardiol is keen on a move to the Bundesliga club - they have reportedly offered to keep the young defender on loan at Dinamo Zagreb this season in order to continue his development.
Leeds, meanwhile, are said to be keen to take the player to Elland Road immediately and are willing to offer more of an initial fee in order to do so.
