Leeds United linked with move for Sheffield Wednesday starlet

Leeds United have been linked with a possible move for a Sheffield Wednesday striker before, but instead of Jordan Rhodes, this time it’s for England U20 star George Hirst.

The Mirror is reporting that Hirst is looking for an opportunity for first-team football that hasn’t been afforded him at Sheffield Wednesday, and with the starlet having only a year left on his contract, he could force a move away from Hillsborough by not agreeing to a new contract.

Leicester City is also reportedly in the mix, but after a bargain-basement price of £1 million already rejected, other clubs, such as Leeds, have been alerted to the availability of the young striker.

Hirst has had very limited opportunities at Sheffield Wednesday to feature in the first team, with Jordan Rhodes, Gary Hooper, and Fernando Forestieri all established first-team strikers in front of the young England international. Hirst has not appeared for the first team at Sheffield Wednesday this season, and only appeared twice in a match and three more times on the bench three times last season, playing a total of 41 minutes in the two matches, one in the Championship and one in the League Cup.

He’s got a fantastic goal-scoring record for England at the youth levels, including scoring 4 goals in 5 appearances for the U20 side and 4 goals in 9 appearances for the U18 side as well.

Hirst’s road towards first team football might be easier at Leeds United than at either Leicester City or Sheffield Wednesday, but if money is involved or an issue, then Leicester will be able to outbid either of the Championship clubs.

Will Hirst suit up for Leeds? Doubtful. This rumor looks more like agent talk or journalists concocting stories near the deadline rather than solid links from those connected with the club. It would be a good bit of business, but it would be a shocking development for Sheffield Wednesday to sell one of their budding stars to a Yorkshire rival.