Leeds United are no stranger to handing prominent roles to young players, as Archie Gray’s rise showed last season. Now, Matteo Joseph is another player taking the steps to solidify himself in Daniel Farke’s starting 11.
As a result, it comes as no surprise that the Whites are keen on another young standout just a few months before the January transfer window. Leeds will need to hit their targets to ensure the team has enough depth to push for a promotion to the Premier League for next season.
Despite needing players ready for the grind of the Championship, the Yorkshire side appear not to be taking age into account. Under Farke, Leeds have shown that if a teenager has the maturity, he’ll count on him in important situations.
Leeds poised to battle Championship rivals for League Two prodigy
TEAMtalk reported on Tuesday, citing sources, that Leeds United, Stoke City and Norwich City are among several Premier League and Championship clubs tracking the highly sought-after Port Vale talent, Karl Agnero.
All three clubs have taken notice of Agnero’s immense potential and are consistently keeping tabs on the dynamic midfielder. Leeds are reportedly keen on Agnero because they want to strengthen their youth academy by bringing in young talent.
The goal is to develop these players into first-team stars for the club in the future. Leeds believe Agnero has the potential to become a star, and they’re looking to get ahead of their competitors by ramping up their interest in this talented teenager.
Agnero has been getting plenty of praise at Vale Park thanks to his impressive performances for the club’s U18s team. The 16-year-old was recognized for his rapid progress by making his first-team debut in the EFL Trophy match against Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s last month.
It will be interesting to see if Leeds can lure the player to Elland Road and use their development of Gray to convince Agnero that joining them is a clear path to first-team football and that he could follow in the footsteps of the Tottenham Hotspur newcomer.
Port Vale are currently fifth in the League Two table, so it’s hard to imagine they let the young player go in January. Still, if an offer comes that they cannot refuse, a possible sale could occur.