Report: Leeds confident of winning wonderkid race, Liverpool and Tottenham also keen

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The Yorkshire Evening Post have claimed that Leeds United are confident of winning the race to sign Linfield wonderkid Charlie Allen, despite competition from some of England’s biggest clubs – including Liverpool and Tottenham.

Allen, 16, has already made multiple senior outings for current side Linfield – with the striker making seven appearances for the first team under the guidance of ex-Leeds United striker David Healy, six from the bench.

Following his debut for Linfield aged just 15 and five months, Allen was even included in Linfield’s 25-man squad to take on Rosenborg in a Champions League qualifier. Had he appeared on the pitch, he would have made competition history.

The report claims Leeds are winning the race but could face competition from Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Rangers. However, a move is not supposedly imminent, given the current global health crisis.

Healy told the Belfast Telegraph last year that he expects Allen to leave: “He’s still young, developing and has a lot to learn, but I know, in time, Charlie won’t see his 17th or 18th birthday at Linfield. He will be elsewhere.”

TBR’s view – Interest in Allen shows just how good he is

To be linked with the country’s best teams in Liverpool and City shows just how good Allen is already, and how much potential those interested think he can be. But is a move to one of the bigger clubs more beneficial for Allen?

Marcelo Bielsa has shown that he is more than willing to place his faith in Leeds’ youngsters. Jamie Shackleton, Leif Davis, Robbie Gotts, Matuesz Bogusz, Jordan Stevens and more have impressed since making their debuts under Bielsa.

Allen has enormous potential and a move to one of the bigger sides would see him become an Under-23 regular, but Leeds could offer him the chance to go one further.