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Leeds United are expected to sign 18-year-old striker Sam Dalby from National League outfit Leyton Orient.
Leeds are poised to sign highly-rated Leyton Orient striker Sam Dalby. #LUFC #lofc https://t.co/uZ7RUptg7S
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) January 22, 2018
A report from Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) for Football Insider claims that a deal has been agreed for the young striker and he is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract at Elland Road. The report has also been picked up by The Daily Express.
Leeds to sign striker Sam Dalby after agreeing terms: Leyton Orient hotshot will undergo medical tomorrow #LUFC https://t.co/Th59dXxD7g
— Express Sport (@DExpress_Sport) January 22, 2018
Dalby made his first team debut for the troubled London outfit in the EFL trophy aged 16, and he made 16 League Two appearances last season before the club’s relegation to the National League.
Well done orient good win. Well done also Sam Dalby great way to start a career at orient
— Neil (@N_m_93) December 26, 2016
He only scored one goal at senior level (in a 3-2 over Crawley Town), however his goalscoring record at youth level is impressive and earlier this season he was training with Premier League side Crystal Palace with a view to making a move there.
No surprise that the only time we looked like any sort of threat, and the midfield linked with the forwards was when Sam Dalby came on. That kid is gonna be the business. #lofc
— Laurie Hann (@lauriehann) December 3, 2017
It is another signing which (if completed) is expected to see a player join up with Carlos Cobreran’s u23 side. The player appears to be highly rated so in isolation (depending on the fee) he could be a shrewd aquisition. However, some fans are likely to be frustrated at Leeds signing another player “for the future” rather than for right now.
Delighted to see Sam Dalby net for Orient during their friendly with Stevenage today. The young man has a big future if managed right #lofc
— George Sessions (@GeorgeSessions) September 5, 2017
Dalby was named in the Mirror “Stars of the Future 2018” article where he is described as “quick and left-footed” which in addition to being 6’3” suggest he has all the physical attributes required to play as a striker, but only time will tell whether he is able to make the grade higher up the football pyramid. From having a look around Twitter, Leyton Orient fans certainly seem to rate him highly.
too early to tell, but reminds me of Harry Kane when on his loan spell.
— Andrew James (@Wardy711) December 27, 2016
If the report is accurate we will know tomorrow if the deal is going through in all likelihood.