Blackpool target Oliver Casey one of a number of Leeds United youngsters who could leave this summer

The Under 23s central defender is closing in on a permanent switch to the newly-promoted Championship side, managed by former Liverpool Under 23s boss Neil Critchley.

Casey is open to the move because it would give him a greater chance of playing regularly and Leeds are willing to consider offers for a handful of their young players in the transfer window. The Whites believe that the right fee and a significant sell-on clause would represent good business for players whose pathway to the first team is looking less clear since the promotion to the Premier League, while others will be allowed to go out on loan.

The group who spent last season away from Elland Road in the EFL could all find themselves playing in the Championship and below once again, come August, whether via a loan move or a permanent one.

Ahead of Casey, 20, lie three senior international centre-backs in Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Robin Koch, while Pascal Struijk has now proved himself as a reliable option in the top flight thanks to his exploits last season. Charlie Cresswell, who partnered Casey for Mark Jackson's 23s last season, is two years younger and expected to play a big part in the 2021/22 Premier League 2 top division campaign.

Like a number of Leeds players Casey is currently away on holiday in Portugal, which today moved into the UK government's 'amber list' so any move will have to wait until he has returned home and completed his mandatory quarantine period.

Leeds are planning to complete a fresh round of Under 23s recruitment this summer, including a new centre-half.