According to the latest reports from Hartlepool Mail, Leeds United are in the mix to sign Hartlepool’s free agent teenager Luca Murphy. Murphy has come up from Hartlepool’s academy, and the club had to let go of him as the player and his agent didn’t want to stay at the club. The 17-year-old rejected a chance to sign his first professional contract and went on to have a trial with Fulham in January.
Pools though are ready to fight for the player as they believe they have the right to compensation if any of the clubs sign him on a professional contract.
Manager Craig Hignett indicated that the club would be willing to go to court for that and said, ”We have released him but still reserve the right to compensation.
“We will fight for compensation. If anyone takes him, and I am sure they will as the kid has ability, then we will fight for it.”
Apart from Leeds United, Premier League heavyweights like Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are keeping track of him and the Whites are going to have a tough race on their hands to sign him. However, the West Yorkshire outfit are one of the best clubs right now for any youngster to join as Marcelo Bielsa has inducted quite a few young players in the senior team since he took charge of the club.
Murphy is a centre back by trade and he seems to have those qualities of the modern-day defenders which is often wanted by the top clubs these days. Gone are the days when defenders were only judged on their ability to sniff out dangers and help to keep things tight at the back. Managers often want their centre-backs to play out from the back and be comfortable on the ball.
Murphy has that kind of ability in him as he is often unfazed when the opposition tries to put pressure on him. The youngster is quick, agile and is comfortable in using either of his foot and he has all the makings of a top defender. Therefore one can understand why the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United are chasing him.
There is no doubt to us that he would prefer a move to the Premier League. Leeds United will need to get into the English top flight to stand any chance of signing this in-demand youngster as he can have quite a few offers on his table in the summer.
