Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has provided further details of the club’s move for former West Ham United forward Sonny Perkins.

The Lowdown: Elland Road move

Labelled a ‘stand out’ player in the Hammers' academy by ExWHUemployee, the 18-year-old has been on the Elland Road radar since June. The Whites were thought to be lining up a deal for the teenager then, with Perkins officially leaving the London Stadium earlier his month.

Reports in recent days have claimed that Leeds are set to win the race for Perkins ahead of Aston Villa and Tottenham, and Hay has shared what he knows about a transfer.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Writing for The Athletic, Hay said that Leeds are ‘attempting to negotiate a settlement with West Ham’ regarding a move for Perkins.

He added that an agreement would prevent a deal going to tribunal, with the Whites rejecting ‘any suggestion of wrongdoing’ following the player’s exit from the London Stadium.

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The Verdict: Promising

Beating both Villa and Spurs to Perkins’ services would be a statement of intent by Leeds when it comes to academy additions, and it looks as if that will happen.

He can play as a forward or in midfield and appears to be an up-and-coming star, with 19 goals to his name at youth level. Perkins was also handed debut appearances in the Europa League and Premier League by David Moyes last season.

It seems as if Leeds are onto a winner, and hopefully they’ll reach an agreement with West Ham soon for the 18-year-old.