Leeds United may well have signed Jamal Blackman from Chelsea already this summer, but a recent report from The Times suggests they have an ideal opportunity to secure the services of a far better goalkeeper before the window slams shut. 

According to the report, Manchester City have reduced Joe Hart's asking price to £5 million in order to attract interest regarding a permanent deal, as the 75-cap England international is unwilling to embark on another loan deal this summer following successive spells at both Torino and West Ham United.

And the same report claims that 'a free transfer cannot be ruled out' as City are willing to be 'flexible' on their asking price.

With these points to consider along side Hart's unfortunate demise in recent seasons, Leeds United could pull off one of the most shocking transfer coups in recent memory by signing him on a permanent deal.

A critic of the proposed deal would be right to point out that Hart is too good for the Championship even with his recent woes to consider, but after failing to impress at West Ham - a club who narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last season - how much lower can he go before taking a significant step down in class?

It's not a situation which Hart would like to be in, but throughout his struggle in recent years he has conducted himself in a typically professional manner which suggests he is not the type of player to view the Championship as a level beneath him; besides, Hart began his career at Shrewsbury, so he's certainly not a big-time charlie who would turn his nose up at the prospect of a move to Leeds United.

The other point to consider is Hart's wage demands. According to report from Sky Sports (via Football.London) published last summer, the 31-year-old is currently on a contract worth £100,000 per week at Man City, so naturally he would have to take a significant pay cut in order to join Leeds this summer.

But once again Hart's attitude and desire to put his career back on a clear path could convince him to take a pay cut this summer, rather than facing the miserable prospect of competing with Claudio Bravo for a place as City's number two.

At the price which Hart is reportedly available for, Leeds have a fantastic opportunity to secure the services of a goalkeeper who would surely return to his world class best with a fresh start, so they should capitalise on the situation and send a strong message of intent to their promotion-rivals by signing him from Man City in one of the most sensational deals of the summer.

Leeds fans - thoughts? Let us know below!