Leeds United are now looking at signing a player Johnny Giles has compared to Pele

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Leeds United legend Johnny Giles once compared one of the players on Daniel Farke’s radar to Pele in a glowing tribute.

Johnny Giles is one of the greatest players in Leeds’ history, having played a crucial role in the club’s era of success under the legendary manager Don Revie.

Now an official Leeds United ambassador, Giles is a former Republic of Ireland head coach, having acted as player-manager of his home country between 1973 and 1980.

The Republic of Ireland secured a famous victory over Portugal in their World Cup qualifier, and Leeds United scouts were in attendance to watch Troy Parrott, according to Leeds United News sources.

Giles once compared the talented forward to Brazilian legend Pele, in a glowing tribute to a man Daniel Farke would surely love to add to his squad.

Johnny Giles compared Troy Parrott to Pele

Speaking to Off the Ball back in 2019, Giles gave his verdict on Troy Parrott, who made his Ireland debut at the age of 17 when he was still on the books at Tottenham.

According to Giles, Ireland were right to trust the youngster, despite his lack of experience, using the example of Pele as a comparison, who burst onto the scene with Brazil at the same age as Parrott.

“I wouldn’t worry about his age,” Giles said. “What I find with players of the real calibre, the age doesn’t mean anything.

“Of course, they can learn with experience. But if they have it, and if they have it and have it physically, they can do it at 17.

“We’ve seen players do it at 17. I know the likes of Pele and these lads were exceptional in what they did. But there are players who have it.” Giles concluded: “17 in football is actually not that young”.

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Leeds United target Troy Parrott is in prolific goalscoring form

Leeds’ lack of goals this season is well-documented, although this did not stop Wayne Rooney naming Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a potential option for the England squad.

A lack of goals has not been an issue for Parrott this season, as he has been in prolific form for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Troy Parrott this season:

Parrott has scored an impressive 13 goals in 14 games for his club in all competitions this season, with six goals in seven games in the Eredivisie and seven goals in five games in the qualifying rounds for the Europa Conference League.

With two goals in three games for Ireland, Parrott is enjoying a fine season for both club and country.