Leeds United warned over Ethan Ampadu exit as most likely next move named

Leeds United know they have one of the best players outside the Premier League's elite top six in Ethan Ampadu.

The Wales international is already into his fourth season as a Leeds regular, having started out his career as a 15-year-old at Exeter City in 2016.

Ampadu is as versatile as they come, being able to fill in at the back or in central midfield, as he is now more accustomed to.

It is somewhat surprising that Ampadu is not more regularly linked with other clubs, though nobody at Leeds is complaining.

With Ampadu under contract at Leeds until 2030, there are no immediate fears of the 26-year-old being poached.

But a former player turned pundit has warned it may not be long before that changes.

Where Dean Saunders can see Ethan Ampadu in a few years' time

Leeds' success story under Daniel Farke, in getting back out of the Championship, staying in the Premier League and now - hopefully - pushing on this season, is in large down to the work of Ampadu.

He really has been a massive force and a reliable presence in the side.

The same has been true at international level, with Ampadu arguably the most important player in the Wales squad.

Someone that has watched Ampadu regularly is compatriot Dean Saunders, who believes a move to one of the so-called 'top six' could be on before long.

 "I've watched Ethan Ampadu in every game he’s played for Wales," Saunders is quoted as saying by Leeds Live.

"He's developed brilliantly after being converted from a centre-back into a midfielder.

"He's learning all the time, and I think in a few years' time he'll be playing at a 'big six' club."

Ampadu has already discussed his Leeds 'end goal'

Leeds fans do not need to fear Ampadu leaving.

There is no indication he would want an exit, while no club would likely pay what Leeds value him at.

Besides, Ampadu knows he has it all at Elland Road. And he's already discussed his long-term aims for the Whites.

Speaking in the summer, he said: "That’s the end goal (qualifying for Europe); that’s what we want to do; that’s what we’re all striving for.

"There's a lot of hard work to get us to that point, which we're all aware of and we're all relishing. It's definitely something we should enjoy trying to do."

Ampadu may not have expected that to happen this season, but there is every chance the Whites can challenge for those European spots.

Achieve that and there will be yet another reason why Ampadu is going nowhere, regardless of what Saunders thinks.