Leeds United have fended off a Southampton hijack to agree the signing of Motherwell rising star Stuart McKinstry, according to the Scottish Sun.
The national newspaper claim the Championship leaders are set to pay an initial £150,000 for the 16-year-old winger rising to a potential £400,000.
The Scottish Sun report Leeds have fought off interest from Southampton to agree the deal for McKinstry, who travelled to Yorkshire this week to finalise terms with Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Good move for Leeds?
McKinstry is an exciting winger of immense potential. The son of ex-Motherwell player John has apparently had hordes of clubs from south of the border watching his youth team games and you don’t get that unless you are bursting with promise. McKinstry has yet to make his ‘Well’ senior bow but has already been on their bench despite his tender years. Leeds is increasingly looking the place to be for talented youngsters eager for a pathway to senior elite football. Bielsa has blooded nearly a full team worth of teenagers this season, with 18-year-old Jack Clarke the shining light of a youth team set-up that is providing so many emerging stars for the first team squad. McKinstry will join a set-up that should provide him with plenty of opportunities to learn his trade and realise his potential.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Given the newspaper’s links to the Scottish game, this appears to be all but a done deal. The revelation that McKinstry travelled down to Yorkshire this week suggests a contract has already been signed. Expect confirmation imminently that Leeds have signed the exciting teenager.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10