Leeds United: Peacock-Farrell edges closer to signing new deal
Young Leeds United goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell is expected to sign a new deal in the next 24 hours after holding fresh contract talks with the club today.
Peacock-Farrell and Leeds have been negotiating improved terms for several weeks after the 19-year-old broke into the first-team squad and made his senior debut in the recent Championship season.
United are looking to tie him to a two-year contract, replacing the 12-month agreement he signed when he turned professional last summer, but discussions hit an impasse after Peacock-Farrell’s advisors asked for assurances about a number of issues, including his role next season.
Marco Silvestri is established as first choice keeper at Elland Road but the experienced Ross Turnbull is poised to return from a broken ankle, potentially threatening Peacock-Farrell’s place on the bench.
The youngster also wanted clarification about who Leeds planned to install as head coach, a situation which was resolved when Garry Monk took over from Steve Evans last week.
Concerns about a goalkeeping coach - a position which is vacant after Richard Hartis’ departure to the England set-up - are likely to have been eased by Monk’s plan to recruit a replacement before the start of the 2016-17 season.
Peacock-Farrell’s debut in a 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers in April is his only senior appearance to date. Evans talked up his talent last December, saying: “This boy will play in the Premier League.”
Leeds would have been entitled to compensation had Peacock-Farrell chosen to leave the club at the end of his existing deal but an agreement is expected to be announced before the end of this week.