Leeds United stood no chance of preventing Finley Gorman from joining Manchester City

Journalist Joe Donnohue says it is an unfortunate truth that Leeds United stood no chance of stopping Finley Gorman joining Manchester City.

The Athletic reported on Wednesday (15 November) that Gorman is set to land Leeds a £5million payment when his move to City goes through.

A deal is said to have been agreed between the two clubs, and Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Donnohue insists United had little hope of keeping him once City's interest became clear.

Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast [14 November, 56m 02s], he said: "I sympathise with Leeds fans who are maybe disappointed.

"You never want to lose your best academy prospects, but unfortunately this is just what happens.

"The big clubs have resources in abundance to be able to be able to blow mid-level category one academies like Leeds' out of the water."

All the best

Leeds always expected there to be interest in Gorman, who has already caught the eye at age-grade level despite being just 15.

If there is any consolation, it is that the sum brought in from this move is a British record for a player of his age.

That is enough, remember, to buy a player such as Glen Kamara from Rangers, so it is not exactly small change.

However, United chiefs would have happily said no thanks to City if it meant keeping hold of the highly rated teenager, who is clearly set for big things.

As Donnohue says, though, teams like Man City and Chelsea can just go around snapping up their choice of youngsters such as Gorman.

It is very much a food chain, and Leeds have themselves poached players from teams below them in the pecking order, so it works both ways.

Once this move goes through, all supporters can do is wish Gorman the best. Who knows? Perhaps our paths will cross again one day.

In other Leeds United news, a young player has opened up on a "very hard" Elland Road transfer decision.