Leeds United get months-long Silva Mexes transfer breakthrough as Man Utd deal reached

Leeds United have been chasing the signing of Manchester United youngster Silva Mexes for some time.

Thorp Arch is renowned as one of the top academies in English football.

Countless young players have emerged from Leeds' youth production line, and a pathway to Leeds' first-team is always there for talented academy starlets.

Because of this, Leeds are often a hugely attractive proposition for top young talent, as we've seen this summer with the likes of Ditmir Hodja.

Man United winger Mexes is a player that has been touted with the Whites for a number of months now.

But now that speculation can stop.

What has Silva Mexes agreed with Leeds United?

Leeds' interest in Mexes goes back to February this year, and that carried on into the summer.

However, a deal was always going to be complicated for a number of reasons.

Firstly, there's the obvious rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds, with players at any level rarely crossing that divide.

Then of course comes the challenge of convincing a young player to scrap their dreams of Old Trafford stardom, which can prove tough for many.

Leeds have reportedly done those things with Mexes though, as claimed by LUFC Youth via X on Saturday.

They report that Leeds have completed the signing of Mexes from Man United.

It's claimed he's signed a two-year scholarship contract with the Whites, and will initially head for the Under-18s, but no official confirmation has come from Leeds yet.

So, how does Mexes already have Premier League pedigree in his corner?

Who is Mexes' famous footballing father?

For a young player to have someone in their inner circle who's already lived the professional footballer dream is always valuable.

They understand the pressures and the stress, can offer expert guidance as well as always being an interesting subplot to a youngster's career.

Mexes has this through his father, who is former Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and West Brom star (among others) Robert Earnshaw.

The Wales icon scored 66 goals in 166 career Championship appearances, whilst also netting 13 times in 65 Premier League outings.

With Mexes being a versatile forward too, having someone like Earnshaw in your camp is sure to only aid him as he begins his Leeds United career.

Of course, it will be up to Mexes and Mexes alone to make a success of things at Elland Road, but he certainly looks to have the talent to be a future first-team star.