Reported Leeds United transfer target Jens Cajuste says he 'hoped to take the next step' and move to the Premier League in the summer. 

The lowdown

Swedish publication Expressen reported in July that the Whites had opened talks with FC Midtjylland over a deal for the midfielder. Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace were also credited with an interest.

However, Cajuste will remain with the Danish outfit, who have qualified for this season's Europa League, until January at the earliest.

The 22-year-old looks to be a hugely talented footballer, with one scout hailing the 'excellent' midfielder as 'the future of Swedish football'. He has two years left on his Midtjylland contract and is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt.

The latest

Cajuste told Fotbollskanalen that playing in the English top flight would have been "fantastic fun" and said that he was "disappointed" to be denied the opportunity but has since accepted his situation.

He stated: "I was disappointed and I hoped to take the next step, but I have to accept it and make the best of the situation. I felt that I was ready to take the next step, but that's how it is in football. I have to accept this."

The verdict

It was a surprise to see Cajuste miss out on a move to England given that Midtjylland seemed resigned to losing him. They even kept him on the sidelines for their Champions League qualifier against Celtic so that an injury wouldn't scupper any potential move.

Still, it may only be a matter of time before he ascends the footballing ladder, and Leeds could well remain in the frame. Cajuste could be a strong backup to Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road and maybe even succeed the Englishman if he is lured away should transfer interest re-emerge over the winter.

In other news, there's potentially bad news on another Leeds transfer target.