Manchester United join clubs circling Leeds for “new Scholes”
Published:
Manchester United have joined the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign an English midfielder dubbed in some circles as “the new Paul Scholes”.
Leeds United midfielder Lewis Cook had been on many big club radars after some dazzling displays for the England U18 side, but his performances for the Elland Road outfit this season have seen those glances turn to stares.
The Premier League big boys are now all paying attention to the 18-year-old and United believe they could have found a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes in the teenager.
Cook is said to be reluctant to leave the Whites but knows that his Premier League and international aspirations are to be met his future lies elsewhere.
Leeds know that the interest means they will be able to make a solid profit on the youngster, with a fee of £12m already being mooted.
A source close to the club told the Daily Star:”Lewis knows he will have to leave Leeds to fulfil his ambitions.
“All the big clubs have been keeping close tabs on him and want him, so he will have his pick of the best and has a big decision to make.”
A central midfielder with a tendency to shoot from range and pick up cautions for rough tackles in the centre of the park Lewis has picked up obvious comparisons with Paul Scholes and if he can add goals to his game in the same way the United legend did then he would be welcomed to Old Trafford with open arms.
The road from Leeds to Manchester United is little travelled but Alan Smith showed that when career aspirations are on the line, club loyalty can go out of the window.
The Red Devils are in fine form at present and will look to put any doubts over a top four finish to bed with victory in the Manchester derby this weekend.
The hosts go into the game as 29/20 favourites, while City – who have now lost three of their last five – can be backed at 9/5 to bounce back with an Old Trafford win.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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