By Craig Scott

19th Sep, 2020 | 7:30pm

Midfielder wanted by Leeds signs new four-year contract at club - report

Leeds United have missed out on midfielder Tommy Doyle after he signed a new contract with Manchester City, according to Sports Illustrated.

The sports magazine report on their website that Doyle, 18, was wanted by Leeds but he has been convinced by Man City to stay put at the Etihad.

Man City announced via their official website on Friday that the central midfielder, who made his Premier League debut against Newcastle last season, has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at the Etihad.

Leeds have done a lot of strengthening to their Under-23s squad this season and Doyle would more than likely be seen as someone who’d be in with the youngsters but also on the fringes of the first-team.

Last season, the England Under-19s captain made three first-team appearances for Man City and was named on the bench several times in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola clearly rates him and it is massive news for Man City that he has committed his future to the club because we’ve seen how their young players have ditched them in the past because of the lack of first-team opportunities.

Leeds would’ve been a good move for Doyle and he would’ve been a good signing for Leeds but if the teenager is getting first-team opportunities at one of the top clubs in Europe, we cannot blame him for wanting to stay there.

We think that Doyle might’ve been a younger, long-term replacement for 35-year-old star Pablo Hernandez.

While he plays in the centre of the midfield, he is very much an attack-minded midfielder, according to Pep Guardiola.

Speaking after Doyle played in a deep-lying role against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last season, Guardiola said: “Tommy played well in a position that isn’t his natural position.

“Usually he is further forward. He played really good, so congratulations to him on his debut.”