Tottenham are connected with a move for a Leeds United starlet.
Paul Robinson has explained why Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Leeds United prodigy Ollie Pickles.
The Premier League team has been linked with a bid for the 16-year-old following his strong underage appearances for the Whites.
Pickles helped the team to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and has drawn comparisons to Kalvin Phillips.
Spurs have competition from Newcastle United in the quest for his signature, as the teenager has yet to sign his first professional deal.
He will have to wait until he is 17 before signing with a club, although any departure from Elland Road would result in a compensation sum being paid to the Championship team.
Robinson explains Spurs’ Pickles interest.
According to Robinson, leading Premier League clubs are increasingly investigating academies for a competitive advantage.
He believes that fear of losing out is influencing the recruitment approach for young talent.
“The thing with clubs now, not just in this country, but globally, is that the recruitment setup is bigger than it has ever been,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
Pickles turns 17 in October, so he’ll have to wait until later this year to clinch his first contract, whether with Leeds or elsewhere.
Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have demonstrated a willingness to provide minutes to underage players.
Archie Gray has received consistent playing time this season, becoming an important member of the team since the German’s arrival in the summer.
The possibility to follow in the 18-year-old’s footsteps could persuade Pickles to stay at Elland Road indefinitely.
His future could also be influenced by the club’s league situation, as the Whites compete for promotion to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, some young players, like Leeds loanee Joe Rodon, have battled to break into Spurs‘ first squad in recent years.
Leeds will be keen to tie up Pickles.
Leeds will be hoping to persuade Pickles to stay, as losing a promising young talent before they make it to the first team would be devastating.
Gray has set a terrific example for their young players, demonstrating that opportunities can be earned at Elland Road.
Pickles should pay great attention to the midfielder’s growth, as it will provide him with a clear indicator of what he needs to do to follow in Gray‘s footsteps.
Spurs have a poor track record of promoting younger players, which the 16-year-old should consider when deciding where to join.
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