Leeds United to 'compete' with West Ham for signature of Scottish prodigy Cai McGunnigle
Leeds United to 'compete' with West Ham United for signature of Scottish prodigy
Leeds United are reportedly set to battle West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar for the signature of teenage sensation Cai McGunnigle.
A 17-year-old forward, McGunnigle is making waves in East Asia with Hong Kong FC and already seeing action at senior level.
The prospect has made 12 appearances in the Hong Kong Premier League, registering three goals and one assist.
Leeds United linked with Scottish prodigy
According to Football Insider, the Scotland youth international has been invited for a trial by Premier League outfit Leeds.
Championship-bound West Ham are also said to be on the frontman’s trail, as are Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar. Both clubs, like Leeds, are said to have made a trial offer as they weigh up moves.
McGunnigle would most likely go into the academy at Leeds rather than Daniel Farke’s first-team squad, but would be an intriguing signing nonetheless.
It is rare for Scottish players to hone their craft on the other side of the globe and fans of the Tartan Army will undoubtedly be keen to see how he progresses.
Youth recruitment at Leeds United
Leeds focused intently on youth recruitment during Victor Orta’s spell as director of football, getting the likes of Cody Drameh, Crysencio Summerville and Joe Gelhardt on board as teenagers.
All impressed in the academy ranks at Thorp Arch before going on to represent the Whites at first-team level. Drameh and Gelhardt were part of the Hull City squad that recently sealed promotion from the Championship, while Summerville now represents West Ham.
Leeds have not placed quite as greater emphasis on signing for the academy since Orta left, but remain in the habit of keeping an eye on prospects elsewhere.
Earlier this year, the club struck a deal to sign Leeds-born attacking midfielder Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from their rivals Manchester United.