Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United are now targeting the signing of attacking midfielder Sonny Perkins this summer.
What's the talk?
In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that Victor Orta is continuing to pursue a number of up and coming talents in the summer transfer market, with the Spaniard having now turned his attention to West Ham United's Sonny Perkins.
Hay goes on to state that, with the Whites' sporting director having spent steadily on youth prospects in recent seasons, it looks as if the 43-year-old will continue in this fashion in the coming months, with the 18-year-old starlet being one of Leeds' primary targets to strengthen their U23 squad ahead of the new season.
"The next Declan Rice"
Considering just how exciting a prospect Perkins looks to be, it is easy to understand why Orta would be keen on a move for the England U18 international this summer.
Indeed, the £720k-rated talent highly impressed for both West Ham's U18 and U23 sides this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist over his four U18 Premier League appearances, as well as bagging ten goals and registering one assist over 20 outings in the Premier League 2.
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These returns saw the teenager earn regular call ups to David Moyes' first-team squad, with the midfielder - who can also operate up top - making three senior appearances for the Hammers in 2021/22 - two in the Europa League and one in the Premier League.
Furthermore, the hopes of those in the know at West Ham are extremely high for Perkins, with ExWHUemployee even suggesting in October of last year that the youngster could go on to become the club's next Declan Rice.
Regarding the future of the 18-year-old, the Irons insider said: "One player to pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins. This is someone I've spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he's really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.
"Obviously, he's performing on the international stage as well for his age, and he is one to keep an eye on. From what I've heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years."
As such, should Orta go on to get a deal over the line for the Hammers starlet this summer, it would very much appear to be yet another fantastic piece of business by the Leeds sporting director - with Perkins undoubtedly possessing the ability to make a real mark on the Whites first-team in not too distant future.
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