By Daniel Feliciano

28th Jun, 2022 | 12:40pm

Leeds United want Stuart McKinstry to sign a new deal before going out on loan

Leeds United want youngster Stuart McKinstry to sign a new deal at the club before allowing him to leave on loan for the upcoming season, according to Daily Record.

The 19-year-old has attracted interest from several lower league clubs including Hartlepool, Ross County and Harrogate, but has just one-year remaining on his deal at Elland Road.

The midfielder made his first-team debut during the 2021/22 season and is highly thought of, so the club want to tie him down to a new deal before allowing him to go for more regular football elsewhere.

It’s believed Hartlepool are leading the race for his signature, with assistant manager Gordon Young having previously worked with him as a young player at Fir Park.

It’s unclear how close a deal is between Leeds and the player on fresh terms, but it seems likely that it will get done before a temporary move away is rubber stamped.

Safety

McKinstry showed last season that he is edging towards the first-team picture at Leeds by making his debut during the injury and COVID-19 crisis during the season.

But with Jesse Marsch coming in and looking to shape the squad in his own image, it’s unlikely that McKinstry will be that close this season.

A loan move definitely suits everyone best at this point, but the club are right to protect themselves by getting fresh terms on the table in case he has a stand-out season.

It would put the club in a position where they can either sell him next year should they have no place for him, or look to integrate him into their own side, rather than risk losing him for nothing.

McKinstry would be smart to sign too considering his age and then he can focus on going out and playing his best football without the added pressure of worrying about his long-term future.

In other Leeds news, club braced for £50m bid from PL side in blockbuster transfer move