Transfer news: KAA Gent hijack deal to sign ex-Leeds United forward Max Dean

Max Dean has touched down in Belgium to seal a move to KAA Gent from League Two side MK Dons.

The youngster moved from Leeds United to MK Dons last year to link up with former Whites Under 21’s boss Mark Jackson.

He was highly rated at Thorp Arch and though he never made a first-team appearance, some fans felt he could develop into a Championship-level striker.

Dean, 20, scored 16 goals in 31 appearances as the Dons made it to the League Two play-off semi-final in May, only to be thumped 8-1 on aggregate.

Reports earlier this week suggested the hotshot could be set for another Leeds United reunion by joining Charlie Cresswell in Toulouse.

The French club reportedly agreed a fee with the League Two side at the second time of asking, but Gent were always circling and minded to make a rival bid.

Fresh reports on Thursday evening reveal that the Belgians have successfully swooped. A medical has taken place and Dean has met his new teammates and coaching staff.

The deal will confirmed on Friday and will be of some interest to those at Elland Road, as the Whites are rumoured to have a healthy sell-on clause.

We understand that Leeds may be entitled to 50% of any fee, which is believed to be in the region of £1 million.

There’s no confirmation on the length of Max Dean’s new contract but you’d expect Gent to tie him down to a long-term deal of at least four years.

The Jupiler League gets underway on Friday 26 July with Gent visiting Kortrijk on July 28.

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