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Leeds United youngster Charlie Crew at centre of 'very aggressive' pursuit
Wales Under-21 manager Matty Jones has confirmed that Leeds United youngster Charlie Crew is at the centre of a “very aggressive” pursuit for his services by England.
Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon account on Monday [2 October] that England were aiming to pull off a “scalp” by persuading Crew to change allegiance.
The teenage midfielder has represented Wales at various age-grade levels, including the U21s last month when making his debut, but he has yet to be capped for the senior side and can therefore be poached by England.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday [5 October], via Y Clwb Pel-Droed, Jones said: “I can confirm they are not rumours.
“England are being very aggressive at the moment in their recruitment of players, and we have to admire that, because they’re looking to us to recruit players, and that’s a huge compliment.
“With Charlie, we are very reassured that we have done absolutely everything in our control, to make sure we’ve provided him the right platform to excel.
“I’m fully confident that he’ll stay with Wales. We’ve had good meetings with him and his parents, who wanted to make an informed decision based on all the evidence they’ve been given, and you have to honour that and accept it.”
Exciting talent
The fact England are seemingly so desperate to get Crew on board says an awful lot about how talented this youngster is.
Leeds fans have been aware of his name for a while now, and it may well be that he is not far off getting a senior international cap for Wales – should he turn down England’s advances, that is.
Indeed, Crew was invited to train with the senior side in Cardiff last month alongside club colleagues Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Daniel James.
Speaking at the time, Ampadu said he is “excited” to see how his compatriot develops, having “embraced” the opportunity to play alongside far more experienced players.
Still aged only 17, Crew clearly has a long career ahead of him. As is the nature of international football, though, he will have to make a commitment to Wales or England very soon.
Either way, Leeds fans can rest assured they have another gem on their hands.
In other Leeds United news, journalist Phil Hay has shared an “important” admission following the win over QPR.