, Leeds United pursuit of young starlet – journalist adds update plus caveat

Leeds United pursuit of young starlet – journalist adds update plus caveat

Earlier today, Sun reporter Alan Nixon (below) said that Leeds United were interested in landing Luca Connell from relegated Bolton Wanderers.

There’s been a revolution regarding youth at Leeds United since Carlos Corberan has taken the reins at Under-23 level. The young Whites, a blend of continental and domestic players, not only won the Professional Development League North title, they also beat Birmingham City on penalties to win the Professional Development League National crown.

It’s a far cry from the days when former Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino let the youth set-up run fallow in his cost-cutting approach at Elland Road. Now, though, they are resurgent under current owner Andrea Radrizzani.

This investment in youth and development was no more obvious than yesterday’s bench in the play-off game against Derby County at Pride Park. Every player was a regular for the Under-23s this season, a decision that shows Leeds United value youth.

Connell, an 18-year-old who is both highly regarded and highly prized, is a player who’d easily slip into the Leeds United Under-23 set-up. The Liverpool-born defensive midfielder has risen to prominence this season, featuring in 12 first-team games across all competitions.

10 of these appearances (674 minutes) have been for the Trotters in their doomed Sky Bet Championship campaign. This has seen them not only relegated from the Championship, but also suffer cash flow problems to such a degree that the first team refused to play against Brentford.

In replying to a question on Twitter, Nixon has issued not only an update of sorts, but also warning too that might strike apprehension into worried fans.

After the debacle that saw Swansea’s Dan James travel to Elland Road, agree personal terms, film a promotional video and then see the deal fall through, Leeds United fans will be wanting a swift conclusion to this.

Bolton will be due a compensatory deal due to his age, with some putting the figure in the region of £300,000. A decent-sized figure for an 18-year-old, but there is evidence that this youngster is special.

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