Leeds United defender Laurens de Bock is close to securing a one-season loan deal with Super League side Aris Thessaloniki, according to SDNA.
De Bock has been in concrete talks with the Greek outfit over a potential move recently, after Marcelo Bielsa deemed the versatile 5 ft 8 defender surplus to requirements following his return from a loan spell in the Jupiler Pro League with KV Oostende.
United were pushing for the uncapped Belgium international to secure a permanent exit this summer, but appear forced to accept another temporary deal on the provision Aris progress through their Europa League qualifier with Athlitiki Enosi Lemesou, as the Greek side need the financial boost that will come with it.
De Bock, a natural left-back capable of playing through the centre of defence, would not be missed in West Yorkshire were he to secure a permanent switch to the Greek Super League.
Since joining United in the January market of the 2017/18 season, the £900,000-rated 26-year-old had made just seven first-team appearances for the club, with the last of his outings, coming in March 2018, also being the last time he featured on a Whites teamsheet.
His limited game time with Leeds was claimed to have sparked an urgency within the defender to leave West Yorkshire this summer, with the fringe option believed to have informed his agent to facilitate a transfer.
A return to Belgium after spending the recent campaign on loan with Oostende was seen as the natural fit for the former Red Devils youth international, although De Kustboys had no plans to turn his temporary arrangement into a full-time transfer.
De Bock could now be heading to Aris, but is not the only fringe player that may be heading to Greece after Bielsa ushered them out of the Elland Road exit door this summer, as fellow left-back Tom Pearce emerged as a potential target for the Kleanthis Vikeldis Stadium natives earlier this month.
It was alleged that the club want the promising defender to secure a temporary departure given he has struggled to force his way into the boss’ plans, but Pearce wanted to wait and see if another move would emerge.