Tottenham have ‘fear of missing out’ on talent as Leeds United transfer news emerges
Paul Robinson is not surprised that Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United youngster Ollie Pickles.
The 16-year-old is said to be on the transfer radar of both Spurs and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United [talkSPORT].
While Pickles has yet to come close to breaking into the first team, Robinson says it is now the norm for teams to take a punt on young gems.
“The thing with clubs now, not just in this country but globally, is that the recruitment setup is bigger than it has ever been,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News when asked about the Pickles speculation.
“The scouting network and the people employed by clubs to scout players, whether from the ages of five or six or all the way up to poaching Under-18s, everyone is looking for that edge and want the best around.
“There’s a lot of ‘FOMO’ – a fear of missing out – because a lot of these big clubs want these younger players.
“They’re willing to go head-to-head with each other and there’s a lot of transfer fees now for players who are untried and untested.”
Who is Tottenham target Ollie Pickles?
Pickles is a regular for Leeds’ Under-18s side and has already been likened to a certain Kalvin Phillips, who landed the Whites a pretty hefty transfer fee.
The hope is that the teenage talent continues developing at Thorp Arch and becomes a first-team regular in the years to come, much like former fan favourite Phillips.
Daniel Farke has showed he is not afraid to use younger players, the highest-profile example being Archie Gray, who has been superb for United this season.
Ultimately, if a team like Tottenham comes in for Pickles in the summer, it will be down to the player to decide on his future. Saying no to a top-end Premier League club is not easy.
At the same time, the midfielder surely knows he is better off staying at Leeds, where first-team opportunities will be more forthcoming in the not-too-distant future.
But hopefully there is no decision to be made and this recent talk is nothing more than just speculation.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are reportedly in talks with the agent of a Premier League player over a summer transfer.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.