Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Sonny Perkins to Elland Road this summer.

What's the latest?

In a recent post on their official website, West Ham United revealed that, following a number of reports linking the forward with a move to Leeds this summer, the 18-year-old has now left the London Stadium on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract.

However, in a recent thread on Twitter, ExWHUemployee revealed that, while it previously looked as if the England under-18 international was set to join Jesse Marsch's side, Tottenham Hotspur have now entered the race for the teenager.

In his tweets, the Hammers insider said: "He was meant to be going to Leeds but Spurs, the club he supports, made a late move. He has a decision to make between the two now, I believe. Leeds or Spurs."

"Getting rave reviews"

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Perkins undoubtedly possesses, the news that the youngster is now available to sign on a free transfer will certainly have come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and the Whites, regardless of Tottenham's interest in the forward.

Indeed, the £1.08m-rated talent has consistently impressed in the West Ham youth ranks, scoring nine goals and registering four assists over 31 appearances for the under-18s, along with bagging 12 goals and providing one assist over his 21 Premier League 2 appearances for Mark Robson's under-23 side last season.

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These returns saw the attacker - who is debut - rather ironically - in a 3-2 defeat to Leeds in January.

Furthermore, those in the know at West Ham also believe that the 18-year-old, who James Marshment backed to become a "£30m player", has an incredibly exciting future in the professional game.

ExWHUemployee revealed on an episode of The West Ham Way podcast last October: "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, considering just how eye-catching a talent Perkins quite clearly is, it seems evident that the player's availability to sign on a free transfer this summer is a huge bonus for Leeds. Orta simply must do everything in his power to beat Tottenham to the youngster's signing.

AND in other news: Victor Orta's £25m transfer target has now "decided to join" Leeds, it's a major coup