Despite missing it out narrowly on the previous occasion, Leeds United will enter the 2019-20 campaign as one of the prime promotion contenders. They have successfully retained Marcelo Bielsa for one more year but should concentrate on adding reinforcements to cope up with form and fitness later in the season.
The Whites, meanwhile, are closing in on their first summer signing in the form of Liam McCarron. The little-known teenager made 20 senior appearances last season for Carlisle United in League Two but was in the radar of several outfits as confirmed by the Cumbrians manager Steven Pressley while speaking to News and Star on Thursday.
Leeds, however, seem to have defeated the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Derby County in tying down the 18-year-old midfielder. This has been confirmed by respected journalist Phil Hay via Twitter, and therefore, the Yorkshire giants are set to boost their gorgeous academy ranks ahead of the upcoming term.
Leeds United close to signing 18-year-old winger Liam McCarron from Carlisle United. One for the future but will command a six-figure fee. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 28, 2019
Carlisle managed a mid-table finish in the fourth tier of English football, but the youngster exhibited his excellence on the pitch in limited game time. He still has a year left in his contract at Brunton Park and could cost around £250,000 if a transfer to Elland Road takes place in due time.
One eagle-eyed supporter already figured out the likeliness of a potential move when Leeds left-back Leif Davis and McCarron started following each other on Instagram.
just to stop confusion. carlisle said yesterday or today that the deal was nearly done with his new club. the article said leeds were the likely club. pic.twitter.com/jqJtI0TpNs
— d̳e̳a̳n̳ (@deancore) June 27, 2019
McCarron is tipped to join the Whites U23 side once the negotiations are over, but the presence of Bielsa and his preference to promote the youth might see the Carlisle prodigy earning a sporadic senior role similar to what Jack Clarke, Jamie Schakleton and Leif Davis achieved last season.
The young Englishman is effective in midfield, down the wide and could also be deployed as a centre-forward. He would add flexibility on the pitch and could be moulded furthermore during this crucial phase of his career. Leeds would allow the youngster to blossom for the future but, at the same time, he should bolster the first-team squad significantly to avoid yet another season of setback and heartbreak.
