Leeds United have instigated discussions to sign highly-rated West Hm United youngster Sonny Perkins, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Rising talent

Signed by West Ham from the Leyton Orient academy system in 2019, Perkins has shone for the youth sides in London, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in 53 outings.

That impressive form earned the young centre-forward first-team recognition under David Moyes last term, initially featuring in two Europa League contests before being handed a Premier League bow in Leeds' 3-2 victory at The London Stadium in January.

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Now, having failed to reach an agreement over a new deal in East London, the Whites could be about to swoop in...

The latest: Romano makes claim

Taking to Twitter, renowned transfer specialist Romano has claimed Leeds and Aston Villa have opened up a dialogue with the 'promising' 18-year-old.

He said: “Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins. Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him.”

Elsewhere, a report from The Guardian has said that Tottenham are also interested in the England youth international.

The verdict: Budding prospects

Although the senior development of the likes of Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell was somewhat fast-tracked last season due to an overwhelming amount of injuries decimating the Elland Road ranks, all three prodigious young talents shone in their own right.

Two years older than Perkins, Gelhardt and the Hammers starlet have enjoyed similar paths until now with the Liverpool-born Leeds ace scoring three times in six England Under 18 outings, whilst the current West Ham man has two strikes in six appearances at the same level.

Last season, the teenager scored 12 times and provided one assist in 21 Premier League 2 displays, highlighting a readiness to take a potentially seamless next step in a promising career.

Seemingly not afraid to give youth a chance, adding Perkins - who was described as an 'exciting player' by Premier League stalwart Mark Noble - to Jesse Marsch's options would make an abundance of sense, especially for what is likely to be a relatively low financial outlay.

In other news: Leeds now want to sign 'outstanding' La Liga gem, read more here