Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Sheffield Wednesday striker George Hirst – and fans of the west Yorkshire club expressed their hope on Twitter that a deal is possible.
Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay claimed in a Twitter exchange on Monday afternoon that Thomas Christiansen’s side are among the clubs keeping tabs on the 18-year-old forward amid strong interest from Premier League big guns.
This comes after Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri told the club’s official website on Monday that talks with Hirst over a new deal have broken down and they are resigned to selling the youngster, who is out of contract next summer.
Sheff Wed owner Dejphon Chansiri tells @owlstalk of approaches for striker George Hirst (Leeds enquired about him in August): “Two other clubs had also showed an interest in the permanent transfer of George during the transfer window, one being a nearby rival in the Championship”
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) December 4, 2017
The striker was the subject of strong transfer interest in the summer, when Leicester tabled a reported £2million bid and Leeds are said to have enquired a deal.
Responding to a question about Hirst from a Leeds fan, Hay replied that United “do like” Hirst and made an approach for him in August but baulked at Wednesday’s asking price.
Leeds do like him but were put off by Wednesday’s valuation in the summer. An easier deal for PL clubs to do.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) December 4, 2017
Hirst is regarded as one of the outstanding teenage strikers in England after serving notice of his immense potential for the national age-group sides.
The son of David Hirst, a Wednesday player from 1986 to 1997, he scored four goals for the Under-2os to be named in the team of the tournament at Toulon in June and followed with a hat-trick for the Under-19s against Poland in September.
Leeds fans are excited about the availability of such an exciting young talent and believe they could offer him the game time he needs to kickstart his club career.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Sheffield Wednesday just confirming we made a bid for George Hirst here. Would love for us to get him in Jan but with Prem teams interested I doubt we will win the race. #LUFC https://t.co/MkFx2fplpN
— Matt James (@MattJLufc) December 4, 2017
Phil, if the boy wants to play we must have a great chance. Far, far easier to get a game than in the prem. Our “rivalry” with Wendy doesn’t matter, Hirst and his dad will decide where he goes, not his current club.
— sam (usaiz) (@sam51h) December 4, 2017
Lets hope he isnt like his dad who was partial to a ???????????? or three!!!!!
— Jim Marsden (@jimbobm52) December 4, 2017
Would really appreciate the signing
— Alex (@AlexLUFC96) December 4, 2017
Why are we mentioning this now . R we getting sending incredible sulk back
— Mikey P ???? (@Parksey78) December 4, 2017
Would you say this won’t happen then? Are Leeds interested in a second bid?
— Brandon Yates (@BrandonYatess) December 4, 2017