Leeds United have reportedly monitored Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles - who is also said to have attracted interest from Manchester City.
At just 20 years old, Charles is already among the most coveted goalkeepers in the second tier of English football.
He has flourished amid chaos at Wednesday, catching the eye with levels of maturity that have defied his tender years.
Pierce Charles made a string of stunning saves in Sheffield Wednesday's recent draw with Leicester City.placeholder image
Pierce Charles made a string of stunning saves in Sheffield Wednesday's recent draw with Leicester City. | Steve Ellis
Sheffield Wednesday’s Pierce Charles attracts admirers
According to TEAMtalk, Wednesday’s Yorkshire rivals Leeds are among the clubs to have taken a look at him.
The report has claimed Charles has been monitored by Leeds as well as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Coventry City.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are thought to be exploring the possibility of a swoop amid doubts over the future of James Trafford. Charles was on the books of the Premier League giants before joining Wednesday’s youth system as a teenager.
He has previously been linked with Scottish giants Rangers, who are managed by his former Wednesday boss Danny Rohl.
Charles delivered a stunning display last weekend, making a string of phenomenal saves to help the Owls draw 1-1 with Leicester City.
Post-match, his manager Henrik Pedersen said: “It gives our defenders great confidence to have a fantastic goalkeeper behind them. All of our players worked so hard, but Pierce was brilliant. He will play at the top level.”
Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles has already established himself as Northern Ireland's number one.placeholder image
Sheffield Wednesday's Pierce Charles has already established himself as Northern Ireland's number one. | Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Pierce Charles’ future
Wednesday are heading back to League One and Charles could be forgiven for wanting to continue playing above the third tier.
However, he must weigh up his ambition against the likelihood of regular football higher up the pyramid.
It will be fascinating to see what happens in Leeds’ goalkeeping department this summer, with three of their four senior stoppers due to become free agents.
A reshuffle could pave the way for Charles to step up to Premier League level but it would be a significant step-up for such a young player.
Pierce Charles has made 32 appearances at senior level for Sheffield Wednesday.placeholder image
Pierce Charles has made 32 appearances at senior level for Sheffield Wednesday. | Steve Ellis
That being said, he is someone widely believed to have a future at the top level.
In March, Pedersen said: “This year, we have sold too many of the young kids, but it’s supposed to show that it’s not only bad what’s happening at Sheffield Wednesday.
“In a very, very difficult environment, we have still made a very, very good development. Pierce, he could be a top, top goalkeeper.”