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Report: Leeds want to raid Manchester City for Luke Mbete

Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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According to The Athletic, Leeds United have shown an interest in signing Manchester City defender Luke Mbete.

It’s claimed that Juventus and Leeds have both been watching Mbete this season, and have been impressed with his displays in the City academy.

Mbete was even named on the City first-team bench against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, marking another milestone for the 17-year-old.

The centre back, who can also play for DR Congo, has picked up three England Under-16 cap, and is already playing Premier League 2 football.

Pep Guardiola suggested in November that Mbete has a ‘good perspective’, bigging up the teenager as a real talent for the future.

Capable of playing at left back too, Mbete is a modern centre back with physical and technical ability, and he looks set for a bright career.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Luke Mbete of Manchester City is seen on the ball during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester City U23's and Chelsea U23's at The Academy Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

So will that be with Leeds? Well, a move for Mbete would see Leeds continue their youth recruitment drive, and a deal would be somewhat reminiscent of the move for Ian Carlo Poveda.

Leeds pounced in January of last year to sign Poveda from City’s development ranks, and Mbete knows him well; he followed Poveda in leaving Brentford for City in a double deal.

Mbete may see Poveda being in and around the Leeds first team and see an opportunity for himself, so City should be very wary of losing the youngster in the near future.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Luke Mbete of Manchester City in action during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester City U23's and Arsenal U23's at Manchester City Football Academy on October 24, 2020 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images