Manager discusses Gavin Whyte’s future, reports last month claimed Leeds move was close

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Leeds United have been strongly linked with Gavin Whyte.

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter has told the Belfast Telegraph that he isn’t worried about the future of winger Gavin Whyte amid recent links with Leeds United.

Whyte, 22, has come up through the ranks with Crusaders having joined back in 2009, and he has now become a key first-team player for the Northern Irish side.

The wide man has racked up an impressive record with Crusaders, hitting 46 goals in 148 games for the club, including 21 goals in 32 league games this past season.

Whilst few clubs focus their attentions on signing players from Northern Ireland’s top flight, Whyte’s record has been difficult to ignore, with clubs now interested in landing him.

The Belfast Telegraph recently reported that Whyte was ‘poised’ to make a move to Leeds, with the winger keen to make a move to Elland Road to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Stuart Dallas.

Crawley Town and Peterborough United are also thought to be keen on Whyte, but Leeds have been in the box seat for some time, and they must now decide whether to press ahead with a move under new boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, Crues boss Stephen Baxter has told the Belfast Telegraph that he isn’t worried about Whyte’s future, and believes that he will be in Champions League qualifying action against Ludogorets next month unless a club make a firm offer.

“I’m not anxious about it and Gavin isn’t either,” said Baxter. “The transfer window goes into August so he could end up playing the first three or four matches for us. Gavin is comfortable with the situation. He is still a Crusaders player and therefore he’ll be with us in Europe unless someone comes in over the next few days and weeks and starts talking business,” he added.