Confirmed: Leeds scouting mission last weekend
By Alex Stevens
Scouts from Europe’s elite clubs were at Oakwell to watch Leeds’ Championship clash against Barnsley last weekend.
A list of scouts for the fixture, which Leeds lost 3-2 in a thrilling encounter, names talent spotters from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Intriguingly, one of those in attendance was a representative of Bundesliga big hitters RB Leipzig, who have been linked with midfield sensation Ronaldo Vieira.
Sports site HITC recently reported the Elland Road academy product is being closely monitored by the high flying German outfit.
It is said that Leipzig are scouring the globe for the best young football talent and have been impressed by the performances of central midfielder Vieira.
The 18-year-old has earned rave reviews with his performances for Leeds as they challenge for promotion to the Premier League, with Derby manager Steve McClaren one of those who has been blown away by the maturity of his displays.
Vieira has made 23 appearances in all competitions for Garry Monk’s side, 17 of which he has started, and has repaid the faith showed in him.
His rise to prominence is especially noteworthy given that he did not make his senior bow until the final game of last season and was expected to be behind a string of senior players in the battle for central midfield places.
But Vieira’s rise has been such that he and fellow academy product Kalvin Phillips have virtually ended the Leeds careers of Toumani Diagouraga and Luke Murphy, who have agreed loan deals for the second half of the season.
Football Insider verdict:
Leeds have produced some highly rated young players in recent seasons, with Lewis Cook and Sam Byram both making the journey from the Elland Road academy to the Premier League. Charlie Taylor could follow that duo in the summer. But Vieira could be set for the big time at an even earlier age, assuming Leeds do not extend their promotion surge by flying straight into the Premier League. The teenager does not turn 19 until next July and is already a key member of a team who are fourth in the Championship and are emerging as credible promotion challengers. Vieira is destined for the big time. The question is, will he head there with Leeds?
In other Leeds team news, the club are closing in on a landmark new signing that will cost them over £3million.
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