Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace reportedly had Leeds United-linked Hearts prodigy Alfie Osborne watched over the weekend.
The 17-year-old is making swift progress north of the border and is well though of at Tynecastle.
He has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs, including Leeds, despite the fact he is still waiting for a first-team breakthrough in Edinburgh.
Osborne, who can operate at centre-back or in midfield, was on international duty with Scotland Under-19s at the weekend.
Leeds United are among the clubs reportedly keen on Hearts prodigy Alfie Osborne.placeholder image
Leeds United are among the clubs reportedly keen on Hearts prodigy Alfie Osborne. | Mike Egerton/PA Wire
Leeds United-linked defender watched
According to Football Insider, Arsenal, Chelsea and Palace dispatched scouts to watch him in action.
Osborne completed 90 minutes in a 3-3 draw with Republic of Ireland Under-19s on Saturday (March 28).
He is out of contract at Hearts in the summer and it has been suggested he could be available for a modest compensation fee.
In familiar company
There may not be any Scottish players in Daniel Farke’s senior squad, but Obsorne would be in familiar company in the academy at Elland Road.
Leeds have lured the likes of Rory Mahady, Josh McDonald and Lewis Pirie from Scotland, while Sam Chambers has represented the Tartan Army at youth level.
Although the Whites have been linked with Osborne, it appears there could be quite the battle for his services.
Clubs such as Sunderland and Aston Villa have also been linked, therefore convincing the prospect to put pen to paper may prove tricky.
Sam Chambers was given his Leeds United debut by Daniel Farke last season.placeholder image
Sam Chambers was given his Leeds United debut by Daniel Farke last season. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Leeds United’s use of their academy
Leeds have not been particularly quick to blood youngsters since the appointment of Daniel Farke as manager in 2023.
There has definitely been a preference of experience, with Archie Gray the only academy product to have truly established himself.
However, there are currently a promising group of players knocking rather firmly on Farke’s door. Players receiving rave reviews for their academy displays include Alfie Cresswell, Jayden Lienou and Rhys Chadwick.