Leeds United tied up the future of Harry Gray this week, but there is another talented teen attracting interest at Thorp Arch with Newcastle United considering a move.
Gray put pen to paper on what Leeds termed a long-term deal this week. Having turned 17 this month, Leeds were able to offer professional terms. FIFA rules dictate that it could only be a three-year deal.
When Gray turns 18, Leeds will be able to offer terms beyond three years. It means that the Thorp Arch wonderkid is now contracted to Leeds until 2028, amid interest from England’s biggest clubs.
Gray is not the only one. Earlier this week, it was reported that Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were keeping tabs on Leeds’ 16-year-old talent Sam Alker, who has become a regular in the U18 side.
Leeds fans v Tottenham.
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Newcastle also considering move for Leeds talent Sam Alker
Renowned for his technical ability, an attacking midfielder, Alker has had a hand in three goals during 13 U18 Premier League appearances for Rob Etherington’s side. He scored against Newcastle last season.
That may have left a lasting impression. LeedsUnited.News insider Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle are also among Alker’s admirers, a player who has represented England at both U15 and U16 level so far.
“I’m told there is a bit of interest in him. I’ve only heard domestic interest. I did hear Newcastle are one of the ones in for him,” Bailey reported to LeedsUnited.News, as Alker continues to attract suitors already.
Reports say that Leeds have offered Alker terms in an attempt to sign him, but must wait until he is 17 before handing him a professional deal. Until then, Leeds are under threat from fellow domestic clubs.
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Leeds are powerless to prevent Newcastle from nabbing Alker
The current rules in English football mean that while players under the age of 18 cannot join a foreign side, English clubs cannot go and poach youngsters from foreign sides, either. Until they are 18, at least.
Of course, there are examples where English sides have reached an agreement, but that player must wait until he is 18 before moving. Estevao turned 18 in April, but a move to Chelsea was agreed beforehand.
It largely means that England’s biggest clubs, including Newcastle, are recruiting from other English clubs. Leeds and others like Leeds are powerless to prevent clubs from poaching their young players.
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It hands Newcastle an advantage over Dortmund and Leverkusen. Bailey added: “Alker can’t move abroad until 18. Leeds’ real fear is domestically. Dortmund or Leverkusen, that doesn’t do him any favours.”
Alker turns 17 in March, having been born in 2009. Only then will Leeds be able to officially announce and confirm that they have agreed a professional contract with the talented teen. Until then, a waiting game.