Newcastle hijack Leeds move to sign free agent Bondswell
Newcastle United have hijacked Leeds United in their bid to sign free agent Matthew Bondswell, according to Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.
Bondswell, 18, started his career at Nottingham Forest’s academy but spent two and a half years at RB Leipzig before a recent agreement to cancel his contract at the Bundesliga club.
McGrath reports that Leeds and West Ham were closing in on deals to sign the young left-back but it is understood Newcastle have now swooped in.
The Magpies reportedly have an agreement in place to sign Bondswell on a free transfer with the view to the highly-rated teenager joining the North-East club’s Under-23s side.
Leeds blow?
It remains to be seen whether or not Leeds have missed out here but the fact Bondswell was available on a free transfer suggests it was a no-brainer to sign him.
Leeds tried but have ultimately failed and all the signs suggest that the 18-year-old has some future on his hands.
The Nottingham-born starlet has been capped by England at all levels between Under-15 and Under-18. According to McGrath, he is “highly rated at St George’s Park and by Premier League scouts who have watched him”.
Leeds do have the need for a left-back in the summer.
Ezgjan Alioski and Stuart Dallas have played that role this season in the Premier League but neither are natural left-backs and Alioski’s contract, as it stands, expires at the end of June.
Bondswell might not have been an instant starter if Leeds signed him but he would have at least been in the pecking order with Marcelo Bielsa showing no fear when it comes to including young and inexperienced players in his senior squad.
Newcastle seem as though they have grabbed themselves a good signing, which is a bit of a blow for the Whites.
In other Leeds United news, Graham Smyth has shared a big update on Alioski amid speculation.