Hibs boss raid his former club Leeds United defender in January transfer swoop’

The Whites Under-21s defender has been linked with a temporary move north of the border

According to sources, ex-Leeds United coach Nick Montgomery is planning a January transfer loan move for teenage defender Kris Moore.

Montgomery, now manager of Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, has been linked with a bid for the Leeds star. The 20-year-old signed a contract extension with the club in July and has led the Under-21s this season.

He is yet to make a regular first-team appearance for Daniel Farke’s side, despite being selected on the bench for the Carabao Cup fixture against Shewsbury Town. Leeds are said to be open to him playing first-team football elsewhere on a temporary basis, with Hibs a possible destination.

Moore is well regarded at Elland Road and might follow in the footsteps of Charlie Cresswell, Sam Greenwood, and Joe Gelhardt in recent seasons by gaining experience elsewhere. He has made eight appearances for Leeds Under-21s this season, including a pre-season match against Manchester United in Oslo.

Montgomery has admitted he is looking for defensive cover in January, saying: “With Josh Campbell going out, the magic number would be four If we can get two, or one, that’s what we’ll work towards.

“We can only stretch the budget available so far, so that’s why we have to be clinical in our recruitment. We have got a couple of targets but it’s not easy to get quality players in, and to have clubs willing to let them come in for the budget we have available.”