Leeds United agreed a £19million deal for Southampton striker Che Adams in January before a last minute U-turn, according to former player Michael Brown.
The Whites were looking to bolster their attacking options as they aim to finally make their return to the Premier League.
In an attempt to strength their chances of promotion from the Championship, Leeds were prepared to part with a substantial amount for Adams in a loan-to-buy deal.
Despite a fee being agreed by the Whites and the Saints, Marcelo Bielsa didn’t get his man due to a last minute change in circumstances.
Former Leeds midfielder Brown told Football Insider: “Che Adams was agreed, I think at £17million, then Southampton said, ‘can you increase that bid’?
“Adams wanted to go [to Leeds], then the price went up £2million more. Leeds met that, it was agreed [at £19m], and then the Southampton manager stepped in and said, ‘Do you know what? I want to keep him’.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl was reluctant to let the striker leave St Mary’s, despite the 23-year-old falling behind Danny Ings and Shane Long in the pecking order.
Leeds were keen to bring Adams to Elland Road even though he is yet to score this season, drawing a blank in each of his 26 appearances.
While Southampton look to have secured their top flight status for another season, Leeds are aiming to join them by gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Bielsa’s men have a chance to go six points clear of third place with a victory on Wednesday night, which would consolidate second in the league table.
With the top two gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season when they fell to defeat in the play-offs.
Due to a late change of heart from Southampton, if Leeds are to climb out of the Championship it will have to be without Adams despite a deal being agreed.
