The Belgian newspaper website reported [27 January] that the Whites look to have won the 24-year-old’s signature and the announcement will be made any day now.

This follows after it was reported, as per HBVL, that negotiations between Leeds and St Truiden were “well advanced” amid the player’s preferred destination of Elland Road.

With Daniel Farke’s problem at full-back still not fully solved, after the departures of Luke Ayling and Djed Spence, Hashioka may just be the solution. His stats certainly speak for themselves.

The full-back is capable of deputising on either flank, already providing two goals and two assists in 18 league appearances this season. He is also able to play higher up the pitch on the right side, sometimes taking the right midfield spot.

At just 24 years old, the defender has almost two hundred appearances to his name across spells with Urawa Red Diamonds and St Truiden, amassing eight goals and 21 assists.

He has fallen out of favour at international level, however, with defenders from much higher-quality leagues being chosen ahead of him. Having missed out on this year’s Asian Cup, a move to Leeds could benefit his Japan career too.

Hashioka’s attacking threat could be exactly the kind of style that will fit Farke’s free-scoring side this season, with the German liking his full-backs to fly up and down the flanks.

Leeds fans will need to keep their eyes peeled. They will not want to miss this January signing being announced.