Leeds United defender De Bock is not on Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton's radar

The Belgian was brought in from Club Brugge in January to try and plug the gap at left-back at Elland Road after former Town loanee Charlie Taylor’s exit last summer.

However, he failed to cement a place in the starting line-up and has been linked with a move to Highbury.

Though Barton ruled out a move for de Bock, his squad building may not have finished yet.

The Town boss is still looking at the left back position, the Liverpudlian keen to protect the development of 19-year-old Tranmere signing Eddie Clarke.

He was brought in to fill the gap left by Amari’i Bell’s transfer to now Championship side Blackburn Rovers in January.

But Barton says it will take time for the youngster to adapt to life in division one.

His rival Joe Maguire is also inexperienced at this level with left-footed centre half Tommy Spurr also able to slot in at that role.

The trio are battling it out for a starting spot when Town host AFC Wimbledon in their opening League One game on Saturday.

And Barton sees it as one area to strengthen.

When asked about the Leeds rumours he said: “Never even heard of him.

“I think we would always look to improve the squad, we have got competition for places in many areas.

“I think we could do with strengthening maybe in that left-back slot.

“We have got Eddie Clarke who we have brought in, who will need a little bit more time at this level.

“We forget he has only played 15 games at National League level. To ask him to step up is a huge task.

“He is growing every day in training in terms of his performance.”