Leeds United are in advanced talks over the signing of Aberdeen teenager Lewis Pirie.
That is according to the Daily Record, who report Pirie is now closing in on a move to Elland Road for a six-figure fee and is initially set to sign on a scholar deal, before penning professional terms when he turns 17.
Pirie is said to have netted 51 goals for club and country last season and was offered an extension at Aberdeen, but instead looks as though he will be the latest Scottish prodigy to move south of the border.
Leeds have made use of that market in recent years with Stuart McKinstry joining from Motherwell in 2019, though his time at the club came to an end yesterday after two first team appearances.
Young goalkeeper Rory Mahady also arrived from Celtic last summer and Pirie looks to be the latest to make the switch, opting for Elland Road over the likes of Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Celtic.
Leeds close in on Aberdeen’s Pirie
Despite Victor Orta’s exit, work continued in the background over potential signings with Craig Dean the man in charge of academy recruitment.
Dean has brought in the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Darko Gyabi and Joe Gelhardt in recent years, and even after relegation it doesn’t look like Leeds will abandon their strategy of looking to bring in some of the best young talent.
Leeds have placed a large emphasis on their academy recruitment in recent years and they will be hoping that strategy pays dividends this season, with a number of them now ready to step into the first team.
And while Pirie may not be someone who is in and around the senior setup for a couple of years, he looks like a player with big potential.
Leeds will be hoping this is the first of many signings this summer, with several needed for both the first team, and U21s.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
