Leeds United have Celtic defender Leo Hjelde on their summer radar, according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Lowdown: Whites’ previous interest

This isn’t the first time Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been credited with an interest in the 17-year-old who Neil Lennon brought to Parkhead in 2019.

Hjelde, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, made 12 appearances for Ross County last season.

Former County boss John Hughes revealed back in April that Leeds were keen on Hjelde prior to his temporary move to Victoria Park, and it seems as if they are back in for the teenager once again.

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The Latest: Graham Smyth’s claim

Reliable reporter Smyth shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Hjelde.

He claimed that the Norwegian is just one of a number of youngsters Leeds are monitoring both domestically and abroad.

The Whites will reportedly make first-team additions their priority this summer before turning their attentions to Under-23 additions.

The Verdict: What should Celtic do?

Hjelde clearly impressed Hughes at County last season, who went so far as to describe the defender as the ‘next Virgil van Dijk’.

On that basis, losing the versatile youngster could prove to be a big loss in the long run.

He also has just 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal, so it’s not as if Celtic can afford to ignore all interest in Hjelde over the next six months.

If they do, he could speak with Leeds in January and agree on a pre-contract in Yorkshire, so Celtic may have to bite the bullet and receive a fee this summer, even if they’re desperate to keep hold of him.

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