Leeds United are closing in on their third signing of the summer, albeit one for their promising academy at Thorp Arch...

What's the word?

Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that negotiations are underway to sign West Ham United prospect Sonny Perkins, a young 18-year-old striker capped by England U18s.

"Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins," he tweeted.

"Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him."

Strength in youth

The Yorkshire giants have made a considerable investment in their youth setup in recent years, and it doesn't look as if director of football Victor Orta is done just yet.

Perkins may not influence the first-team right away but, as we've seen with manager Jesse Marsch, he isn't afraid to roll the dice with some of the Whites' up-and-coming future stars.

[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2" title="Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!"]

Joe Gelhardt (poached from Wigan Athletic) and Sam Greenwood (signed from Arsenal) have both made their presence known under the American, particularly towards the back end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Both took their opportunities with senior striker Patrick Bamford facing a prolonged absence on the treatment table - indeed, according to Marsch himself, "nobody has adapted better to his tactics than Sam Greenwood."

The young Irons frontman has been touted for big things, too.

Perkins was recently named April's Premier League 2 'Player of the Month' and he ended the 2021/22 campaign with back-to-back braces, taking his total for the Hammers' youth teams to to 14 goals and two assists.

"One thing to also pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins," club insider ExWHUemployee revealed to his 'The West Ham Way podcast.

"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.

"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, given that touted potential and the success stories of Gelhardt and Greenwood, everyone at Elland Road must be delighted to see Orta and co move for Perkins.

Having already bolstered the first-team with the arrivals of RB Salzburg duo Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, and a third signing reportedly on the way, it would certainly be wise to boost the academy setup next.

AND in other news, "We're hearing..": Phil Hay reveals big Leeds transfer twist, supporters surely gutted...