49ers should be doing everything possible to keep 22-year-old Leeds player at Elland Road

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49ers Enterprises have done well recently tying some of Leeds United’s best youngsters to new deals.

Archie Gray became the first to sign a new long-term contract back in January, fending off interest from some of England’s biggest clubs, with his deal eventually becoming active when he turned 18 earlier this month.

His former U21s and now first team teammate Mateo Joseph then followed him with a new four-year-deal, and though he has had to be more patient for minutes, his potential is there for all to see.

Willy Gnonto has also been rumoured to be close to agreeing a fresh extension, but there is one player who is arguably more pressing than anyone in the squad.

That man is Crysencio Summerville. The 22-year-old is still under contract until 2026 having signed a four-year-deal almost two years ago, but he is certainly at the point now where a renewal is due.

Plenty of Premier League clubs have already shown an interest in him and if Leeds do get promoted, he is the sort of player they simply have to keep for survival to be possible.

Forget £34.3m, 49ers simply have to do everything possible to agree Summerville deal

Reports emerged in Summerville’s native Netherlands yesterday that his value is now approaching the €40 million (£34.3m) mark ahead of the summer.

In fact, journalist Suleyman Ozturk told Dutch outlet vi.nl that he is fully expecting Summerville to earn a move to one of Europe’s top clubs when the window opens this summer.

Back in August last year, Leeds rejected an offer of £20 million from Burnley for Summerville, which shows just how highly he was rated at the club even then.

Now, after such an impressive season, his value is likely to have sky rocketed and even £34.3 million does not seem enough based on what was turned down last summer.

However, Leeds are only going to be in a position to charge big money if he is tied to a proper long-term deal, and that makes it vital for the 49ers to get one agreed.

Leeds told to build team around Summerville if promoted

While it is important for Leeds to be in a strong position when it comes to negotiations, ultimately the aim should be to keep him.

Summerville is undoubtedly set for big things in his career but just like the Championship has done, a season of regular football as the main man at Leeds in the Premier League would be huge for his development.

Obviously that would depend on Leeds getting there, and if they do, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has already told the Whites to build their side around him.

He said: “I think he would be better off sticking with Leeds. I’ve got no doubt that if and when Leeds get promoted they’ll build a team around him.

“I don’t think for a second that Leeds would do a Sheffield United and not invest, and you’d hope that they did a better job of investing than Burnley have done, with respect to Burnley.”