Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira knows George Hirst from international duty.
Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri confirmed on Tuesday that he rebuffed a “nearby Championship club” over a summer move for reported Leeds United target George Hirst.
The teenager is now set to leave Hillsborough after failing to agree a new contract with Wednesday – who were willing to break their wage structure regarding young players to keep him – and it remains to be seen whether the Whites are more successful in January, with Premier League clubs also in the mix.
But could Ronaldo Vieira’s success at Elland Road make his international team-mate more receptive toward a move across Yorkshire if United renew an interest next month?
Vieira and Hirst were two of England’s stars in their Toulon Tournament success during the summer and the hitman – who scored four goals in the competition – need only look at Vieira’s trajectory with United to know that there are far worse places for a young player to be.
The 19-year-old midfielder is one of Thomas Christiansen’s most important players, having enjoyed a superb breakthrough season at the age of 18 under Garry Monk last term, and surely his status in West Yorkshire would appeal to Hirst, who has only made one Championship appearance for Sheffield Wednesday.
Of course, he wouldn’t be guaranteed to play regularly, but he would be guaranteed a fair crack at the whip by a manager who has no reservations about giving young players a chance if they are up to it.
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