BBC pundit reacts as Phil Hay shares Middlesbrough update on Leeds United midfielder Sam Greenwood

Carlton Palmer was pleased with the performance of Leeds United midfielder Sam Greenwood on loan at Middlesbrough v Sunderland.

He also reacted to news shared by Athletic’s Phil Hay that Boro have the option to buy him permanently for a £1.5million fee.

Palmer, who’s a pundit for the BBC, believes it’s too early to gauge if they should exercise the option to buy.

Leeds United

He told Football League World, “By putting in the option to sign the player for an agreed fee, they can assess the player over the course of the season, and if the player does well then there is an agreement to buy already in place.

“It’s too early to say about Greenwood.

“He joined Middlesbrough with a bit of an injury, so he’s taken a bit of time to get up to speed.

“He has started the last two games, and on Saturday scored his first Middlesbrough goal, capping an impressive performance.

“Time will tell over the course of the season.”

Steal?

Greenwood has over 20 Premier League appearances for Leeds and has not looked out of place despite being so young.

He is just 21 and given the fees that players end up going for these days, it’s baffling to think that he’ll only leave for that amount.

Leeds United

Hopefully, he returns to Leeds or turns down joining Middlesbrough as there could be a future for him at Elland Road.

Even if there isn’t, there’s a good chance that the Whites make a lot more than the amount that’s being cited.

Thus far, he’s enjoyed a good start for Boro and may be one of the inspiring figures to get them out of their relegation battle.

He’s already found the back of the net so it will be hard for Michael Carrick to drop him when his side’s struggled for goals in recent games.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay claims that big European clubs have been keeping tabs on a Whites player for a while and are still willing to sign him.