Report: Leeds United in talks to sign Crusaders’ 21-goal winger Gavin Whyte

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Gavin Whyte sees Leeds United winger Stuart Dallas as an ‘inspiration’ – and could join him at Elland Road next season.

Leeds United are in talks to sign the highly-rated Crusaders winger Gavin Whyte, according to Sky Sports.

It is understood that Leeds are among 10 clubs from England and Scotland who have been tracking the Northern Ireland U21 ace in recent months during a superb season across the sea.

Whyte has scored 21 goals in 2017/18, winning the Ulster Player of the Year award for his efforts, with Crusaders winning the NIFL Premiership title for the third time in the last four seasons.

The Belfast Telegraph had reported in late April that Leeds had expressed an interest in signing the prolific youngster and were expected to try and lure him to West Yorkshire during the summer transfer window.

And it seems Leeds have now stepped up the chase – though Sky Sports point out that Crusaders have not yet accepted a formal offer from Paul Heckingbottom’s side.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph back in March, Whyte admitted that he sees current Leeds winger and fellow Northern Irishman Stuart Dallas as an ‘inspiration’.

Dallas spent two years at Crusaders between 2010 and 2012 before getting his big break at Brentford and, in an interesting twist of fate, Whyte could be challenging him for a place in Leeds’ squad next season.