Leeds United transfer news: Kian Breckin a target as latest Manchester City youngster chased amid Newcastle interest
Leeds United are on the trail of another Manchester City youngster in the form of Kian Breckin, who could be sold amid a blocked path to the first team, the Daily Mail reports.
The 19-year-old midfielder has four years on his current contract with the Premier League champions but “if the right offer comes in” he could go with his chances of breaking through slim thanks to a “difficult pathway”.
Newcastle hold some interest and could become a rival if a move is on this summer, but it appears the Whites are taking the initiative.
Leeds United, who signed Darko Gyabi from City prior to the current season, also like Shea Charles [Guardian, 11 April] and have a long-standing interest in James McAtee [Daily Mail, 6 May].
Central midfielder Breckin has yet to make a senior appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side, but has been a regular in Premier League 2, scoring eight times in 24 outings.
Talent farm
Victor Orta may be gone but the focus on the City academy appears to be showing no signs of slowing down, which is probably no surprise as the club close in on their fifth Premier League title in six seasons.
That senior success is proving a stumbling block for talented youngsters to break into the first-team, although Rico Lewis’ emergence has shown it isn’t impossible.
Other clubs are therefore hovering in order to pick up those who decide their prospects are limited and begin to look elsewhere.
Central midfield has proven somewhat of an issue at Elland Road this season, particularly once Tyler Adams was ruled out by injury.
Marc Roca and Weston McKennie have struggled badly at times, and with Mateusz Klich sold in January Sam Allardyce has brought veteran Adam Forshaw back into the fold to provide some stability.
Sam Greenwood started against Newcastle on Saturday (13 May), but has struggled for game time, while youngsters Gyabi and Archie Gray have been overlooked for the senior side by successive managers.
So adding more young talent at the position might not prove to be especially beneficial if that which is already available at Thorp Arch isn’t breaking through in a time of need anyway.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay reports that Allardyce is “angry” that one player ignored warnings all week against Newcastle.