Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their chase to sign MK Dons starlet Matthew Sorinola.

What's the story?

Reports back in December suggested that Marcelo Bielsa's side were one of a number of Premier League teams interested in signing the 20-year-old, whose contract with the Dons comes to an end this summer.

Now, the club's manager, Russell Martin, has delivered a major update on his situation, admitting that Sorinola has still yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, and seemingly opened the door to a potential summer exit.

The MK Dons boss said: "The situation with him hasn't changed. He got offered a contract a long time ago, one which we consider fair and fits in with the structure of our club and for a young player but he hasn't signed it. There has been no real discussion from his end.

"He has a decision to make at some point, but I cannot let it rumble on to the end of the season – that's not ideal for anyone."

Bielsa's protege

At just 20, but able to play at left-back, left-midfield and right-midfield, Sorinola already has the kind of versatility that would surely make him an immediate Bielsa favourite given the likes of Stuart Dallas, Gjanni Alioski et al. Martin has made clear just how much he rates his starlet, saying: "I really like him as a player and as a person. He's technically right up there with anyone in the squad. I love his calmness. He wants to play. For a young lad, he's so composed and he defended really well tonight. "People may question his size but when you're as brave as he is to play with the ball, and get in people's faces and shut them down, he has so much ability and potential. It's up to us now to develop him." That composure and braveness in possession would be music to Bielsa's ears, who's tried to shape this Leeds team in his mould over these past few seasons. Sorinola's youth and versatility could see him become a protege under the Whites boss, with the Argentine taking the 20-year-old under his wing and giving him a priceless footballing education at such an early age. Add that to the fact a move won't cost Andrea Radrizzani a penny in terms of a transfer fee, and it's all set up for Victor Orta to pounce. Meanwhile, Leeds could hire Bielsa's dream successor in this maverick...