Leeds United are increasingly confident of reaching an agreement to sign Celtic defender Leo Hjelde, according to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Hjelde is a 17-year-old Norwegian who's listed as a centre-half but can also play left-back and even in midfield (via Transfermarkt).

He's yet to make his official debut for Celtic, but racked up valuable senior minutes on loan at Ross County in the second half of last season.

He started 10 Scottish Premiership games, averaging 3.3 clearances (more than anybody in the current Leeds squad), 1.7 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game.

Hjelde is into his final year of his contract in Glasgow and is valued at just £270,000 by Transfermarkt.

Former County defender Callum Morris says he has 'uncoachable' attributes that will take him 'right to the top'.

The latest

Discussions between the two clubs are said to be advanced and they're progressing well, a Thorp Arch source told Football Insider, with a real confidence that they can finally agree a deal.

Hjelde has 'long been courted' by Leeds, who had been hopeful of signing him in the January transfer window.

The player is 'very keen' on the idea of moving to Elland Road and has already been offered a contract.

The verdict

Leeds' recruitment strategy this summer deserves plaudits. Signings like Jack Harrison and Junior Firpo will be key to the club's short-term prospects, but they're also thinking years down the line with moves for Lewis Bate, Sean McGurk and this mooted swoop for Hjelde.

It's a surprise that there aren't more top clubs trying to snap up the teenager, who already looks 'so composed' in the men's game, with his manager at Ross County even comparing to Virgil van Dijk.

Leeds could well be onto another gem.

In other news, a source has shared an update on another possible signing.