The likes of Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh and Crysencio Summerville were all brought into the Whites’ under-23s ranks following the club’s return to the Premier League.
Although their progress in the Checkatrade Trophy fell slightly below-par, Leeds have seen the benefits with Greenwood the latest name in a long list of academy players to be handed first-team debuts by Marcelo Bielsa.
And a report from The Sun claims Leeds have set their sights on Wigan Athletic wonderkid Sean McGurk – Gelhardt’s former teammate – in January.
McGurk was first linked with a move to Elland Road last summer and Leeds are said to have followed up on their interest this month with a rejected bid.
Although an offer has been knocked back by the League One club, Leeds are not expected to give up on the 17-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers could look to sign the midfielder on a pre-contract agreement. If or when McGurk’s contract expires, any fee could then be decided by tribunal.
Meanwhile, McGurk could effectively replace Spanish forward Rafa Mujica, who is reportedly in talks over a permanent move back to his homeland.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Real Oviedo, though has appeared just five times.
Here’s a round-up of some of the other transfer rumours, including McGurk, involving Leeds and their Premier League rivals this evening:
7. Trio chase O'Brien
Sheffield United, Newcastle and Crystal Palace have set their sights on Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien. He was linked with Burnley earlier this month. (Football Insider) Photo: Gareth Copley
8. Mujica holds exit talks
The agent of Leeds forward Rafa Mujica is in talks with Real Oviedo over a permanent transfer, while Las Palmas and Numancia are also keen. (La Voz de Asturias via TEAMtalk) Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
9. McGurk bid rejected
Leeds United’s bid for Wigan Athletic wonderkid Sean McGurk has been turned down. The 17-year-old is out-of-contract in the summer with Rangers eyeing a pre-contract agreement. (The Sun) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
10. Clark close to agreeing new NUFC deal
Ciaran Clark is close to agreeing a new deal at St James’s Park, despite interest from Crystal Palace ahead of his current deal entering the final six months. (Daily Telegraph) Photo: ALEX PANTLING
11. Bruce retains Ashley support
Steve Bruce retains the support of owner Mike Ashley, whose patience will only run thin if Newcastle are dragged into a relegation dogfight. (Sky Sports) Photo: MICHAEL REGAN
12. Newcastle close on Ghoulam?
Newcastle United are close to signing Napoli full-back Faouzi Ghoulam having reportedly contacted the player’s agent. (Le Buteur via Sport Witness) Photo: Francesco Pecoraro