Sources: Leeds United submitting offer for ‘exceptional’ McDonald
Leeds United are submitting an offer for Hamilton Academical sensation Josh McDonald, sources have told Football Insider.
The Whites are aiming to beat Scottish giants Rangers to the signing of the 16-year-old midfielder.
Leeds have already been in contact with the starlet and his family in an attempt to convince him of a move south of the border.
Football Insider revealed on 1 April that Rangers scouts have also watched McDonald on multiple occasions in the hope that he would be willing to stay in Scotland.
He has represented Scotland’s Under-18s on the international stage after coaches deemed him an “exceptional talent” and promoted him two years above his current age group.
The youngster has already racked up seven caps for his nation at Under-18 level.
Leeds are keen to continue to bolster their academy after seeing success with blooding youngsters since returning to the Premier League.
Sam Greenwood, Charlie Cresswell, Crysensio Summerville, Cody Drameh and Joe Gelhardt are the most notable recent graduates now featuring at a senior level in England.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 April) that Aston Villa are working on hijacking Leeds United’s deal for Hearts sensation James Wilson, 16.
If McDonald makes the move to Elland Road, he will join the likes of Villa stars Rory Wilson and Ewan Simpson, Man City’s Adedire Mebude and Emilio Lawrence and Crystal Palace’s Dylan Reid in leaving Scotland for the Premier League.
On-loan Leeds star Leo Hjelde, 19, also left Celtic to head to the Yorkshire club in 2021.
The Whites are under threat of relegation to the Championship with seven games remaining of this season.
Javi Gracia’s side face 10th-place Fulham on Saturday (22 April) with the chance to pull five points clear of the drop zone.
In other news, Rangers and Leeds go head to head for Major League Soccer star.