Leeds United’s talks to sign Chelsea teenager Lewis Bate have accelerated over the last 24 hours, with real hope that he will now arrive at Elland Road.
That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds have pushed themselves to the front of the queue for Bate’s signature.
Liverpool, West Ham United and Southampton have all contacted Chelsea about signing Bate, but talks with Leeds have really progress over the last 24 hours.
There is now ‘cautious optimism’ that Bate will be heading to West Yorkshire this summer.
Bate is only out of contract in 2022, but has decided not to sign a new contract with the Blues given his concerns over a lack of first-team pathway.
Leeds can offer him that pathway, and have shown a willingness to do it in the past.
Pascal Struijk is a big success story of Victor Orta’s push for Under-23 additions in recent years, rising from the Under-23’s to first team under Marcelo Bielsa.
Bate, 18, predominantly plays as a central midfielder and notched five goals as well as four assists in 20 Under-18 Premier League games last season.
Bate looks to have an exciting future ahead of him, hence the interest from five Premier League clubs if you include Chelsea.
That Leeds are now nearing a deal for Bate is a major sign of the progress they are making, and they will hope to get the deal done as soon as possible.
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