Silva Mexes has football's toughest label to escape as Man United to Leeds move nears

Silva Mexes could join a rare club in making the move from Manchester United across to Leeds United.

The two rivals hate each other, explaining why business between the sides is limited.

However, Mexes has some leeway given he is just 16 years old and not yet tied down to a professional deal at Carrington.

Reports have suggested the young winger is set to make the move to Leeds, ahead of signing pro terms when turning 17 early next year.

While Mexes is still very much one for the future, it is an exciting signing from Leeds' perspective.

But the Thailand Under-17s international will have to buck a specific trend if he is to go on and become a success.

Silva Mexes has a well-known footballing father

Mexes is still in the early stages of his career and is likely a couple of years off challenging for senior action.

However, his father was thrown in at a similarly young age when starting his own career.

That man is Rob Earnshaw, who made a name for himself at Cardiff City and eventually represent a string of clubs.

Earnshaw scored over 500 goals in a career spanning close to two decades, eventually ending in 2015.

Mexes has been tipped to go onto even bigger things, ideally with Leeds, but football is littered with examples of sons not being able to follow in their father's footsteps.

Sure, there are some exceptions, but the general rule is the second or third generation just don't live up to the expectations.

That is not saying this will be the case with Mexes - and Earnshaw was not exactly a world-class striker, granted - but there is reason to be cautious.

What is Leeds' plan for Mexes?

Mexes' move to Leeds is not yet done, but already there appears to be a plan in place.

As per The Talent Hunter via X, Leeds intend to use the left-sided attacker in their Under-18s and Under-21s teams next season.

Described as an "unbelievable" talent, Mexes will then hope to potentially form part of Daniel Farke's senior squad plans a year later.

Playing regularly for the U21s is the natural step into the first team, so it is over to Mexes to show exactly what he is capable of once this move is done.