Report: Leeds tracking Celtic and Rangers youngsters to bolster Under-23 side

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The Athletic’s Leeds United reporter Phil Hay has suggested that the club are looking to bolster Mark Jackson’s Under-23 side this summer with talents currently at Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers – as well as Premier League club Brighton.

Mark Jackson has been applauded for his work as the club’s Under-23 manager this season, as Leeds are expected to gain promotion from the second tier of Premier League 2 on Friday evening – should they get a result against Aston Villa.

It is Leeds’ first season in Premier League 2 football, having previously played in the Professional Development League. But promotion from to the Premier League for the senior side saw Leeds get a place in PL2 D2, and promotion is on the horizon.

Given the promotion, Andrea Radrizzani is said to have set aside a big budget for the 23’s and Craig Dean has been tasked with bringing players in. Celtic, Rangers, Brighton and Bradford youngsters are being targeted by the club, ahead of the summer.

TBR’s view – Foundation for the future, Leeds being run right

Look at Bielsa’s senior side. In and around it are Leif Davis, Jamie Shackleton, Ian Poveda, Tyler Roberts, Illan Meslier, Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt – which is testament to the work being done in the second string by Jackson.

Leeds are about to gain promotion to the best division of Under-23 football on these shores. That is only going to improve the up-and-coming Leeds players, but certainly, a few additions are needed. Recently, Celtic’s Leo Hjelde has been linked.