Leeds United scouts were impressed by the performance of Dundee United teenager Lewis Neilson in defeat to Celtic at the weekend. Leeds have been linked with several defenders in Leeds United transfer news over the last few days and Neilson is the latest to join the list.
The Courier reports Leeds were one of several clubs who watched Neilson. Everton, Leicester City and Southampton all had scouts at the match, too.
Neilson only played an hour in Dundee United’s losing effort, but the Scotland youth international did enough to interest the Leeds scouts. He won’t come cheap, though, with Dundee United seemingly wanting a seven-figure fee.
He originally played as a midfielder, but has dropped back into a defensive role and can occasionally cover at right-back. The Courier claim Neilson is ‘viewed as the pick of the bunch’ among Dundee United’s academy.
Leeds have added several youngsters to their ranks over the last few weeks and a move for Sam Greenwood seems likely.
Neilson will likely have to turn down first team football if he chooses to move south to Elland Road – it will be interesting to see if anything comes of this.
Hutton Speaks On Kent Links
Following Steven Gerrard’s admission that Rangers rejected a bid from Leeds for Ryan Kent, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton has spoken of his experience leaving the Scottish giants.
There have been mixed reports about Kent’s future, with some suggesting he wants to leave and others believing he would rather stay at Ibrox.
Hutton, Rangers’ most expensive sale ever, reckons the Glasgow-based club will sell if the price is right.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton said, “The same thing happened to me, I turned down Tottenham multiple times, I didn’t want to go, I told the manager I didn’t want to go and I didn’t."
Hutton recounted his own experience of leaving Rangers to join Tottenham.
“I remember it like it was yesterday. I turned them down multiple times, I was Rangers through and through and I never wanted to leave but when Rangers come and say: ‘Look, we’ve accepted this bid,’ it is what it is. It’s a massive choice he’s got to make.”
Kent arrived at Rangers for £7 million from Liverpool last summer – they are clearly looking to make a significant profit if they sell to Leeds.
Hay Denies Cabral Link
Despite reports suggesting Leeds are close to a move for FC Basel striker Arthur Cabral, journalist for The Athletic Phil Hay has been told several times that the club are not pursuing the 22-year-old.
According to Hay, Leeds claim the Cabral rumours are being pushed by his agent. Leeds have emphatically denied any links.
Hay confirmed two other rumours that have been covered by 888Sport. He said, “My understanding is that Rodrigo is instead of Watkins but I’ll need to check where Leeds are at.
"I’m expecting them to move onto Koch quickly – a centre-back is probably their biggest priority in this window.”
Leeds fans will be desperate for progress on the transfer front as the opening day of their Premier League return nears.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP Photo*
