Leeds United are preparing a bid for Brighton left-back Zak Sturge, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Sturge profiled

Sturge is 18 years of age and is an England under-18 international despite also having Guyanan citizenship. The teenager, who has also played as a left midfielder for the Seagulls, has made a total of 44 appearances for Brighton’s youth teams.

The majority of his displays have come for the under-18s, for whom he has registered five assists in 41 games. He is expected to leave as a free agent when his contract expires on Thursday, and it looks as if Thorp Arch could be his next destination.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Sturge

Football Insider shared a story on Tuesday morning regarding Sturge after being informed by a recruitment source. They claimed that Leeds have joined Chelsea in the race for the full-back by preparing a bid and are now pushing hard for a summer deal.

The report added that the Whites want to sign a left-back who has the potential to compete for a place in Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Leeds have struggled when it comes to left-back signings in recent years, with Junior Firpo the latest who hasn’t lived up to expectations at Elland Road.

The Spaniard received plenty of criticism during his first season at the club, making just 19 league starts.

He received more yellow cards (11) than any other Leeds player in 2021/22, and although Sturge wouldn’t replace Firpo straight away, it is interesting to see that Orta is looking to address what has been a problem area in the long run with a move for the Brighton teenager.