Aston Villa have now tabled bid for young striker Leeds United tried to sign back in April

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Leeds United’s focus on signing youth players may have diminished slightly since Victor Orta’s exit and relegation, with promotion back to the Premier League the primary aim for The 49ers.

Under Orta’s stewardship, it was a constantly revolving door with the U21 and U18 sides constantly being filled with young stars from England, Europe and beyond. Some have made their way into the first team.

Crysencio Summerville, Illan Meslier, Willy Gnonto, Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph are all key players at Leeds. All signed during Orta’s tenure as young teenagers, that have then been moulded at Thorp Arch.

Orta gets plenty of criticism for his hand in relegation and sacking Marcelo Bielsa, but to his credit, his focus on youth and ability to pluck a young gem has worked time after time during his spell in Yorkshire.

• READ MORE: Watford make move for Leeds hero after Elland Road exit this summer

The 49ers have stepped up their youth drive this summer

Last summer was hectic, with a change of ownership, a new manager required, a complete overhaul of the squad and of course Orta’s loan army jumping ship. The 49ers had a huge amount to contend with.

They inherited a mess from Andrea Radrizzani and that meant focus on youth recruitment went out of the window a little. Even this summer, it has been more focused on signing players to aid a promotion push.

That, and raking in a heap of cash. One youngster Leeds have tried to sign is 17-year-old Mason Cotcher from Sunderland, with the Telegraph saying in April that Leeds actually made a bid after a successful trial.

Mason Cotcher set for Aston Villa, Premier League side table bid

Nothing came of Leeds’ move for Cotcher even after his trial and a bid made to Sunderland. Widely renowned as one of England’s best young strikers, interest in Cotcher has remained and even grown.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has an update. He says that Aston Villa have now made an offer to land the star this summer, and a decision now needs to be made by Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland on Cotcher’s future.

“Aston Villa have sent formal bid to Sunderland for Mason Cotcher. He’s already training with Villa youth squad and impressing. Villa want to anticipate other PL clubs and sign Cotcher as potential new talent.”