Everton may be the latest Premier League club made to rue the loss of a ruthless young striker to Leeds United.
Sam Greenwood’s move from Arsenal was arguably the headline piece of academy business at Leeds this summer.
And Greenwood wasted little time living up to the hype, scoring five goals in four games for the Whites Under-23s to claim the PL2 player of the month award for September.
But when injury struck earlier this month, it was one of Leeds’ under-the-radar summer recruits who stepped in for the 18-year-old.
Max Dean initially appeared for Leeds U18s on trial at the start of the year, when he was still under contract at Everton.
But he later signed a permanent deal at Elland Road.
And, having scored two goals for the U21s against Barrow in the EFL Trophy last week, Dean marked his debut for the 23s with another – this one an intelligent flick with his back to goal.
The teenager’s exploits should come as little surprise – not least to Everton – after he ended the season before last as the Toffees’ top scorer in his age group.
But whether or not Dean’s exit will come back to bite the Merseyside club, only time will tell.
Leeds fans – how excited are you about the former Everton talent?
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