Report: Leeds dealt blow as London club to win race for available 19-year-old prospect

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have reportedly been dealt the blow that they set to miss out on the signature of young prospect Nico Jones.

Jones, 19, is available as a free agent after leaving League One club Oxford United at the end of last season.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds and Leicester City are two of the sides that have looked at the defender as a possible target this summer.

However, the report states that Premier League rivals and London club Brentford are going to win the race for his signature.

It is understood the Irish teenager has had talks with several clubs. But, he’s expected to complete a move to West London to initially join up with Brentford’s Under-23s team.

Jones made eight first-team appearances in an Oxford shirt before deciding to leave this summer, so he’s not a complete novice. It makes sense though that Brentford plan to integrate him to their youth team straightaway.

Nico Jones chase looks over, but Leeds are on right track at youth level

Mark Jackson coached Leeds’ Under-23s to promotion last season, so linking up with the youth team at Elland Road should be extremely attractive. They are now in the top division in the new Premier League 2 season.

There is a great production line feeding rising stars to the Whites first team, something senior boss Marcelo Bielsa is not afraid to use.

Lewis Bate is a high-profile capture from Chelsea this summer who’s initially joining the Leeds Under-23s.

It won’t be a surprise to see the 18-year-old step up during the course of the new season.

In other news, Report: Tottenham and West Ham want £18m-rated star in final year of contract, but rivals make bid