Is George Hirst really a target for Leeds United?

Sheffield Wednesday starlet George Hirst is once again linked with a possible move to either Leeds United or Leicester City after his path to first team football is still blocked by more established players at Hillsborough. The 18 year-old striker has been linked with a move to Leeds or Leicester before, but now the noise surrounding a possible move has increased over the past week or so.

The reports claim that Hirst is frustrated with his lack of time with the first team at Sheffield Wednesday, and as a result has failed to sign a new contract, meaning that Hirst will be a free agent at the end of the year. Hirst, who is the son of Wednesday legend David Hirst, grew up idolizing the Owls, and it would seem to be destiny for him to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, since Hirst has refused to sign a new contract, he has been frozen out of set-up at Wednesday, and the only match time he has gotten has been from the England youth squads.

Hirst starred alongside Ronaldo Vieira at the Toulon tournament in France, and has had some impressive performances for the England U19s, including a hat-trick against Poland back in September. But would Sheffield Wednesday really let one of their young stars leave in January?

At this point, with Hirst reportedly refusing to sign a contract and the club refusing to play Hirst, the relationship is broken at the club, and despite his father’s links to the club, it might be best for him to move on. The Daily Mail reported that both Leeds and Leicester had bids turned down during the summer transfer window, but at some point Wednesday will have to sell the player to avoid an ugly transfer saga that Leeds fans will be all to familiar with.

But would Wednesday really sell to a Yorkshire and promotion rival? And would a move to Leeds even make sense for Hirst? Leeds have brought in approximately 8,000 strikers to replace Chris Wood, without success. And while Hirst may be good investment, if he wants first team football, Leeds may not be the best option for him. So while Hirst might be leaving Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds may not be the best destination for him, although he is a budding talent. It would be great for the club, but it would be surprising for Hirst to sign with Leeds. Give this rumour a 4/10: it might happen, but it probably won’t.