Leeds United have rejected a permanent transfer approach for the former Manchester City man

Leeds United have rejected an inquiry from Plymouth Argyle over a permanent deal for Darko Gyabi before sanctioning the midfielder’s loan move to the Championship club. Gyabi returned to Home Park last week and Pilgrims boss Wayne Rooney said the former Manchester City youngster “fits the style of play” he wants to implement in the 2024/25 season.

The 20-year-old first joined the Pilgrims in January after struggling to force his way into Daniel Farke’s first-team plans. Gyabi made nine starts and one substitute appearance before his time in Devon was cut short by a groin injury.

United were not interested in offloading Gyabi, who joined the club in a reported £5million deal in 2022, on a permanent basis. Gyabi has two years left on his contract with the Whites.

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Argyle director of football Neil Dewsnip told our sister title Plymouth Live: “One of our methods of success in recent years is to have players on loan and then go back to buy them in some cases.

“Darko was not on the market to be bought. Leeds did not encourage this discussion. I had a bit of food for it but it wasn’t really on their agenda but to borrow it back was the next best thing. we could do that and we did it.

“We all thought he was a massive contributor last year, so for him to be injured at the end of the season it was really disappointing for me and Nance (first team coach Kevin Nancekivell) not to be able to select him. So let me get it back. it’s great, I can’t wait to see him play.”

On the possibility of Gyabi’s loan being completed by United in January, Dewsnip said: “The best we can do, which we have achieved, is to design the deal in an incredibly short period that Leeds United to be able to claim them back.

“Leeds United are more than okay with that. I don’t want to mislead the fans, of course, but I would be incredibly surprised if they recall him.”