Championship

Newcastle and Everton keep tabs on Wilks

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Everton, Newcastle and Middlesbrough are keeping close tabs on Leeds United forward Mallik Wilks, according to Football Insider.

The reliable football news site claim that scouts from several Premier League clubs have been monitoring Wilks’ progress for the last 18 months since he broke into the Leeds first-team picture and they have continued to monitor his development while on a half-season loan at Accrington.

Football Insider report that Everton and Newcastle see Wilks, 18, as a star in the making while Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk is a big fan of the teenager after working with him during his season at the Elland Road helm in 2016-17.

It is said that the Premier League duo are “both lining up possible moves”.

Wilks joined League Two Accrington in August on loan until January and has scored three goals in 15 appearances, most of which have been as a substitute.

Good move for Leeds?

Leeds are vulnerable to bids for Wilks given their Championship status and his growing reputation. The teenager has been used sparingly at Accrington but has earned rave reviews with a debut equaliser versus Notts County and further strikes against Chesterfield and Middlesbrough. Leeds regard Wilks highly but may have to tie him down to a long-term contract, something Andrea Radrizzani has not been shy of doing with the senior men, to fend off interest from better-financed clubs. Selling an unpolished gem for peanuts would certainly not be in Leeds’ best interests.

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Likely to happen?

It is highly possible that Wilks could leave, as he is only contracted to Leeds until the summer of 2019 after signing a 12-month extension to his deal in August.

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