Leeds United will consider sending striker Mallik Wilks out on loan in the second half of the season, according to reliable journalist Amitai Winehouse.
The Daily Mail reporter claimed on his personal Twitter account that the 19-year-old has returned on Wednesday to Elland Road following a loan spell with League Two club Accrington Stanley.
It is understood that the Whites hope the teenager can challenge now in their first team, but will sanction his exit for another loan if the right opportunity presents itself.
Had it confirmed that Mallik Wilks will return to #LUFC tomorrow. There's a hope he'll be able to challenge existing striking options. Might explore a further loan spell if right opportunity comes up.
— Amitai Winehouse (@awinehouse1) January 2, 2018
Wilks has already been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with news outlet Football Insider reporting in November that Everton and Newcastle are keeping close tabs on him.
The Leeds-born centre-forward has impressed during his loan with Accrington, where he has scored five goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.
Good move for Leeds?
Wilks is a rising star at Elland Road and there is hope that he can compete with the current attacking options in the Leeds squad.
Thomas Christiansen could do with adding a striker in the New Year to compete alongside Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Kemar Roofe and Caleb Ekuban.
Wilks is certainly a big talent with a bright future, but allowing him to depart Elland Road again on a temporary basis seems the best move.
His development has been helped hugely by a stint in League Two, with reported interest from top-flight clubs proving just that, and he could return to Leeds a more improved player in the summer.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Leeds will have a big decision to make over Wilks’ future in the rest of the campaign and it would be no surprise to see the youngster depart on loan.
The interest from Premier League clubs will worry supporters as they have high hopes for the academy graduate, but a loan move seems probable.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10