Leeds United are reportedly set to sign Stuart McKinstry.
Leeds United landed two signings in the January transfer window – and may already have a first summer signing in the bag.
The Scottish Sun report that Motherwell have agreed a £400,000 deal with Leeds to sell winger Stuart McKinstry, with £150,000 being paid up front.
In the process, it’s claimed that Leeds have beaten off competition from Southampton for McKinstry’s signature – and that represents a major coup.
Southampton are one of the country’s best clubs for a young player, with a whole host of prodigies coming through their ranks and becoming key first team players, whilst many have even been sold on for big money.
Leeds can boast a similar youth record, but the chance to join a proven Premier League club would have surely been enticing for McKinstry.
Yet instead, he’s picked a move to Leeds in order to learn under Marcelo Bielsa and co, with ‘El Loco’ no doubt a major pull for the young Scot.
Bielsa has helped the likes of Jack Clarke, Leif Davis and Jamie Shackleton develop this season, and McKinstry should be looking at Leeds believing he can break into the first team under Bielsa.
It’s a considerable fee for a 16-year-old, but to pip a Premier League club to his signature – even with Leeds challenging for promotion this season – is a real coup for the Whites.
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