'˜It's a great privilege' - Bailey Peacock-Farrell delighted to seal new deal with Leeds United

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has signed a new two-year contract with Leeds United, ending talk of a possible departure from the Championship club.

Leeds offered Peacock-Farrell improved terms before the end of the recent season, proposing to tie him down to 2018 on the back of his first-team breakthrough, but an agreement was delayed amid protracted discussions about coaching appointments and Peacock-Farrell’s role next season.

The two sides struck a deal during a meeting at Elland Road yesterday and Peacock-Farrell - originally recruited as a scholar by Leeds after his release from Middlesbrough in 2013 - insisted his desire to stay was “never in doubt”.

“It’s a massive club and it’s a great privilege to be a part of it moving forward,” he told United’s official website.

“I was never in doubt about where I wanted to be or where my future lies. It was just about getting the final pieces sorted.

“I had a great season and hopefully I can build on that and keep making steps forward under the new manager.

“Being with the first-team not only for training but also for travelling and being a part of it has been a great experience. All you can ask for is the opportunity to impress. If I get that then hopefully I’ll be able to take it. I feel ready.”

New United head coach Garry Monk met with Peacock-Farrell on Wednesday as talks about the youngster’s future went on.

Peacock-Farrell’s advisors had previously asked for assurances about who Leeds planned to appoint as head coach, at a time when Steve Evans was reaching the end of his time in the role.

Monk, who replaced Evans last week, is expected to recruit a new goalkeeping coach to succeed the departed Richard Hartis, someone who worked closely with Peacock-Farrell during the 2015-16 season.

Peacock-Farrell broke into the first-team squad last November after Leeds lost Ross Turnbull to a broken ankle and saw American Charlie Horton sever his contract and return to the USA for family reasons.

Evans used Peacock-Farrell as understudy to Marco Silvestri throughout the second half of the campaign and handed him his full debut in a 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers in April.

Peacock-Farrell admitted that he was impressed by the appointment of former Swansea City manager Monk, saying: “He’s a big name. He’ll bring his own views and takes on progressing the team and taking steps forward. It’ll be great to be a part of it.

“It was a nice touch for him to come down and take the time out to come and say hello. It’s great to have that.”

Academy player Tom Pearce has signed his first professional deal with Leeds.

The 18-year-old, who can play as a left-back and a winger and came to United from Everton in 2014, has been handed a 12-month contract