Leeds United have been linked with Dundee United starlet Banks.
Dundee United sporting director Tony Asghar has admitted that he is desperate to keep hold of Scott Banks with the highly-rated midfielder attracting interest from the likes of Leeds United and Crystal Palace, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
The Tangerines might be a second tier side these days but that does not mean that Banks’ rapid rise has flown under the radar.
The Linlithgow-born teenager has only made 19 senior appearances so far but his exceptional displays in recent weeks have attracted plenty of attention. According to the Sun, Southampton’s scouts were very impressed after watching Banks produce a Man of the Match display in a recent Betfred Cup win against Cowdenbeath.
The Daily Record, meanwhile, claims that Leeds are interested too while Crystal Palace made a bid of £400,000 before the English transfer deadline passed.
Dundee United, safe in the knowledge that Banks won’t be moving south of the border this month, are now keen to tie their prized asset down to a new contract with Asghar admitting that the youngster is a big part of their plans.
“We are currently negotiating extended contracts for a number of our young players,” he said.
“Scott Banks and others have had strong interest from other clubs and I would expect that to continue as (manager) Robbie [Neilson] continues to play them in the first-team.
“We want to keep out top talent and develop them and then once the club and player are ready then they will move on to the next chapter in their careers.”
If Banks was to leave, perhaps Leeds would be the ideal destination. Kalvin Phillips, Kemar Roofe, Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton have all made huge strides under Marcelo Bielsa while the club’s U23 squad, thanks to director Victor Orta, is full of exciting young talent desperate to make their mark.
Banks would look right at home.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
