Graham Smyth claims Leeds gem may now be offered Elland Road lifeline; he's 'impressed' Marsch

Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has made a contract claim on teenager Nohan Kenneh.

The 19-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or as a holding midfielder, is out of contract at Elland Road at the end of June.

Kenneh is still yet to make a senior appearance for the Whites, although he has been a regular for the U23s this season.

He has turned out in 20 Premier League 2 games and three EFL Trophy fixtures, captaining the young Whites against Tranmere and Arsenal.

Smyth shared a Q&A on The Yorkshire Evening Post on Wednesday, with one topic of conversation on contract renewals.

The reliable reporter labelled a fresh deal for Kalvin Phillips as a ‘priority’ before having this to say on Kenneh.

“I think Kalvin Phillips will be a priority this summer because it’s the one that makes the most sense. I could see Nohan Kenneh getting a new deal before too long. He’s out of contract in the summer but he’s done well of late and impressed Jesse Marsch against Manchester United.”

Kenneh is slowly starting to establish himself as a mainstay in Leeds’ Premier League squad, making the bench in nine of the last 13 fixtures.

He missed out in Marsch’s first three squads but featured on the bench against Wolves last time out, with the Whites staging a dramatic comeback to win 3-2. Kenneh now has an impressive stat of receiving a booking before even making his debut after he joined in the celebrations following Luke Ayling’s winner.

The American seemingly liked what he saw from Kenneh in the U23s’ 3-0 win over Manchester United last week, and it looks as if he could receive an Elland Road lifeline after catching Marsch’s eye.

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