Leeds United under late transfer threat from Aston Villa in race for Hearts sensation James Wilson amid ‘attractive’ view
Aston Villa have emerged as a late threat to Leeds United in the race to sign Hearts teenager James Wilson, according to the Daily Mail.
It appeared that the Whites had forced themselves to the front of the queue for the 16-year-old and were set to beat the likes of Manchester United and Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers, according to the Daily Record on 1 April.
A “financially attractive” offer looked to have swayed the youngster and his family, with £120,000 in compensation expected to be due to the Jambos.
But with Villa flying so high under Unai Emery – seven wins and a draw in their past eight games pushing them up to sixth – the Daily Mail claims: “Villa are taking shape under the Spanish workaholic and it is proving attractive.”
In that context they are reportedly “pulling on the strings” of the Scottish teenager, and are now late competition for the Whites.
Not over
Leeds United have made a habit of bringing in talented youngsters in the past couple of years but their attempts to add to that recently are proving an extra effort to get over the line.
As with the pursuit of Barcelona teenager Ilias Akhomach where the club have apparently put themselves in pole position to complete a deal but are having to contend with additional rivals late in the day, there is still a hurdle to clear.
From a first team perspective it isn’t currently hard to see why Villa Park might be attractive with former Arsenal boss Emery having turned things around so drastically, especially in contrast to the doom and gloom at Elland Road.
But at 16 Wilson is some way off being a senior player so development prospects and the overall offer to him and his family are far more relevant for now.
Hearts would still like to keep him but at this stage it certainly appears that a move is on the cards for a player who has already featured in the Lowland League north of the border.
In other Leeds United news, the PGMOL could be set to get involved following controversy at Elland Road according to a BBC Sport pundit.