Leeds United are reportedly among the clubs tracking Hearts prodigy Alfie Osborne.
Capable of playing at centre-back or in midfield, Osborne is making waves north of the border and has represented Scotland at youth level.
He is aged just 17 but has made swift progress and seemingly attracted a host of admirers.
Leeds are said to be among them, but could face stiff competition if they make an attempt to lure him fron Tynecastle.
Leeds United are among the clubs reportedly keen on Hearts teenager Alfie Osborne.placeholder image
Leeds United are among the clubs reportedly keen on Hearts teenager Alfie Osborne. | Nigel French/PA Wire
Leeds United linked with Scottish prodigy
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are tracking Osborne alongside Premier League rivals such as Sunderland, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Fulham.
Manchester City and Arsenal are, however, the clubs believed to be leading the race to sign the teenager.
Clubs in England would be able to sign Osborne for a relatively modest compensation package, reportedly making him an even more attractive option.
It has been suggested Hearts want to tie the defender down to a new deal, but the report has claimed Osborne is not planning to commit his future to the Edinburgh club.
Leeds United’s development of youngsters
Leeds have not blooded many youngsters since the arrival of Daniel Farke as manager in 2023.
There has been a preference of experience, with Archie Gray the only academy product to have become a first-team regular on Farke’s watch. He starred for the Whites throughout the 2023/24 season before sealing a £40m switch to Tottenham Hotspur. His younger brother, Harry, is still on the books and out on loan at Rotherham United.
Daniel Farke has not been been quick to throw young players in at Leeds United.placeholder image
Daniel Farke has not been been quick to throw young players in at Leeds United. | Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Despite Farke’s apparent reluctant to throw teenagers in at the deep end, the Whites have not had issues luring prospects into their under-18 and under-21 squads.
Since the beginning of last summer, Leeds have signed the likes of Jayden Lienou from Manchester City and Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from Manchester United.