Orta could sign the next Jude Bellingham in Leeds swoop for "explosive" 17 y/o prodigy - opinion

Leeds United will continue to bolster their impressive academy setup at Thorp Arch this summer as they look to seal a move for another EFL talent…

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Yorkshire giants are plotting a move to steal 17-year-old midfielder George Hall away from Championship side Birmingham City this off-season.

West Ham United gem Sonny Perkins is also a target, with both players getting a taste for the men’s game during the 2021/22 campaign.

Whilst this wouldn’t be a signing which instantly impacts Jesse Marsch and the first-team squad, it is one for the future, and a hugely exciting one at that, given the Blues’ previous track record with producing young talents.

The last time a young English midfielder came through the ranks at St Andrew’s, they sealed a £25m move to one of Europe’s elite. This of course is Jude Bellingham, who has since emerged as a regular for Borussia Dortmund and now Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

There have already been plenty of comparisons between Hall and the former Birmingham gem, and it’s easy to see why.

Blues boss Lee Bowyer handed the 17-year-old his senior debut in January, starting and lasting 85 minutes in their Championship clash against Queens Park Rangers,. Hall was handed a second appearance before the climax of the season, playing 31 minutes on the final day against Blackburn Rovers.

At youth level, he has certainly impressed, earning a call up to the Three Lions’ U18 squad, whilst he has delivered six goals and two assists across 20 appearances for Birmingham’s U23s and U18s, as per Transfermarkt.

The talented teenager’s form has earned high praise indeed, perhaps none better than from his youth coach Martyn Olorenshaw, who described the attacking midfielder