Leeds wonderkid Sonny Perkins – who Tottenham wanted to sign – produced another masterclass on Monday to continue his fine run of form.
What’s the story?
Well, it was the Guardian who revealed that Spurs wanted to sign the 19-year-old before Leeds won the race for his signature back in July.
Since the England Under-18 international sealed his move to Elland Road, he has enjoyed plenty of success for the Under-21 side as well as in the senior setup.
Before Monday’s 3-0 win over Derby’s Under-21 side, Perkins had scored nine goals in 19 appearances, including one strike for the first-team in the 2-2 FA Cup draw against Cardiff.
The teenager’s campaign got even better in Monday’s 3-0 win over Derby’s young guns, as he scored one goal and assisted the other two to hand Leeds all three points in the Premier League 2 clash.
If Javi Gracia was watching, the Spaniard would have surely left the game feeling very impressed by Perkins.
Sonny Perkins at least deserves place on Leeds bench
In Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, Gracia named a very young bench including Under-21 gems such as Mateo Joseph, Sam Greenwood and Archie Gray.
If the Spaniard is showing such a willingness to place his talented youngsters on the bench, then Perkins at least deserves a place amongst them as he impresses in the Under-21 side.
The Tottenham summer target – who was also wanted by Aston Villa – has already netted a senior goal this season, and he could be a handy option as Patrick Bamford suffers an injury setback and Rodrigo remains sidelined.
Having said that, even Wilfried Gnonto couldn’t get a start on Saturday, and Perkins would not leapfrog the Italian in the pecking order.
Whatever Gracia decides to do, Leeds must improve their efficiency in the final third, or the relegation battle will be a difficult watch for supporters.
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