Leeds United youngster Alfie McCalmont may feel 'devastated' about an update regarding his future, according to ex-Whites striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: McCalmont's future up in the air

The 21-year-old has still only made two first-team appearances for Leeds, spending last season on loan at Oldham Athletic.

According to Peterborough United's director of football, Barry Fry, McCalmont has been offered to the Championship club as part of a deal to bring an unnamed player the other way.

They have turned down the move, however, meaning the youngster's future remains very much up in the air.

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The Latest: Whelan feels sorry for youngster

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan admitted it is a tough position for McCalmont to find himself in, saying he may need to move elsewhere, in order to kick on in his career:

"I think as a player, if I was out Alfie, I’d feel devastated. He’s done very well when he’s been out on loan this season. That will be very disheartening to the player.

"But depending on whether they’ve had talks and saying they’re going to need a different type of player and he will be used very sparsely, then on a player’s point of view again, you’ve got to feel that you need to kickstart your career.

"Sometimes it’s not at the respective club where you’ve been at for a number of years and come through the academy. Sometimes you have to break away and start your own future in football. Maybe it needs to be away from a very big club like Leeds."

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The Verdict: Time for a fresh challenge?

The fact that Marcelo Bielsa was seemingly willing to let McCalmont leave suggests he has no future at the club, assuming it would have been a permanent exit.

Leeds have made giant strides in recent years and it may simply be that they have reached a level where the Northern Irishman cannot cut the mustard.

It is a reminder of the brutal nature of top-level football and a move away from Elland Road for McCalmont could be beneficial for all parties.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a player who impressed in the Premier League last season. Find out who it is here.