Leeds United had a very important reason for working so hard to snap up Max Wober.

The 24-year-old defender has been secured by the Elland Road club this January.

Wober will now compete with Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo and Marc Roca for a starting spot.

Angus Kinnear, club Managing Director, wrote in the club's matchday program about the team's hopes for Wober.

“This week we were pleased to welcome Max Wober to Elland Road as our first signing of the January window," he said.

“Max has played most recently as a left-back, but can also play as a left-sided centre-half and a number six, which means he will provide competition and options in a number of defensive positions.

“In addition to Red Bull Salzburg, he has played in European competition for Rapid Vienna, was a league and cup double-winner with Ajax and experience La Liga with Sevilla. He has also represented Austria 13 times.

“Clearly, it is advantageous to be able to integrate him into the squad so early in the window. That is a testament to the preparatory work carried out by the recruitment team in the World Cup break.

“The Elland Road atmosphere and the passionate support of a one-club city are big selling points to players we target, so please give Max a warm welcome to help his adaptation and ensure he starts contributing on the pitch as soon as possible."