Leeds handed major boost in striker pursuit, set to leave after contract talks break down - report

By Danny Wright

Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sheffield Wednesday striker George Hirst after a breakdown in contract talks, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claims that Hirst, 18, has been unable to agree a new deal with the Owls and is set to leave Hillsborough at the end of the season after realising the club does not have his best interests at heart.

Leeds are said to have made a "formal approach" for Hirst in the summer transfer window and Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Phil Hay claimed on his personal Twitter account in September that the Whites are likely to go back in for the teenage sensation in January.

Premier League side Leicester are also understood to have made a £2million offer for the Sheffield Wednesday youngster in the summer.

Leeds are in need of extra striking options with their summer signings failing to offer what Chris Wood had been before he left for Burnley.

Hirst, who has only ever made two appearances for Wednesday, is thought to be leaving Hillsborough for a fraction of the price he is actually worth due to his contract situation - a major positive for any clubs interested in buying him.

Football Insider Verdict

Leeds director of football Victor Orta has scouted far and wide in his search for new players, but ultimately there is one of the most exciting young strikers in English football who is playing just down the road at Sheffield Wednesday. Hirst is a quality young forward who definitely has big things to come and his situation at Hillsborough is quite honestly bizarre. The Owls haven't brought through much good talent in their academy and with Hirst they have failed to take him to the next level. Leeds should be the ones to swoop in and offer him that chance, he could be the player they need to sort out the current striking woes at Elland Road.

In other Leeds United news, this Whites attacker bid has been kicked into touch and Orta must transform his transfer tactics.

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