Graham Smyth shares transfer update as Leeds United eye new goalkeeper
Robbie Cook is only on trial at Leeds United rather than having already been bought by the club, according to Graham Smyth.
The journalist reported via his personal X account (9 January) that despite recent rumours of the 17-year-old goalkeeper already being a Leeds player, these reports are a little “premature” [The West Australian, 8 January].
Smyth did, however, add that if the West Yorkshire outfit does end up signing him, he’d be competing for a spot in the Under-21s side rather than the first team.
“Reports in Oz that Leeds United have signed 17yo keeper Robert Cook a little premature,” he wrote.
“He’s been trialling with Leeds for a while. If they do finalise his signing he’d be one for the 21s, competing with Harry Christy and Rory Mahady.”
Leeds United haven’t yet completed their first signing of the January window
Although fans were likely excited about the 49ers bringing in a young goalkeeper with plenty of potential, it seems like suggestions he has already signed may be a little premature.
Illan Meslier has been under fire for most of the season thus far due to the multiple blunders he’s made against the likes of Sunderland and Hull City.
However, even if Cook was a Leeds player, it’s not like he’d have been able to compete for a starting spot over the likes of Karl Darlow and Meslier.
Over the last couple of years, a fair few English clubs have been linked with acquiring the services of the young Australian and now that he’s on trial with the Whites, it seems that he may have found his new home.
Which, for Leeds and their rather poor recent track record of ‘keepers, could be the exact sort of prospect that they needed to add to their ranks.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are being tipped to sign this Nottingham Forest ace.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.