Victor Orta could unearth the next Bellingham as Leeds plot bid for "explosive" talent - opinion

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring George Hall to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claim that, following The Athletic revealing last month that Victor Orta is interested in making a move for the 18-year-old attacking midfielder this summer, Birmingham City are adamant that they will reject any offers made for the England under-18 international over the remaining weeks of the transfer market.

Previous reports had suggested that both Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the Blues’ starlet ahead of potentially launching a bid of their own this summer.

Considering just how much hype there appears to be about Hall’s future in the game, coupled with the fact that Orta is well-known for trying to lure England’s most exciting youth prospects to Thorp Arch – as is evidenced by his signings of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Lewis Bate, Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins in recent years – it is not difficult to see why the Spaniard would be keen on a move for the 18-year-old this summer.

Indeed, the forward-thinking midfielder highly impressed for both Birmingham’s under-18 and under-23 sides last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists over eight appearances for the former and bagging three goals and providing one assist over 12 fixtures for the latter last time out.

These impressive returns saw the versatile teenager – who can operate from left, central, right and attacking midfield, as well as on the left wing and up top – earn six call-ups to the Blues’ matchday squads last term, with the youngster even going on to make two Championship appearances in 2021/22.

While it is