Modest transfer fee revealed as Sheffield United ‘lose out’ to Leeds United for 51-goal striker

Leeds United will reportedly pay a modest fee for a 51-goal striking starlet previously linked with Sheffield United this summer, according to reports. The Star reported last September that Leeds were rivalling the Blades for the signing of Aberdeen’s teenage striker Lewis Pirie, who scored 51 goals for club and country last season, and is understood to be close to a move to Elland Road.

United’s Premier League rivals Brighton had also kept a close eye on the teenager, who the Dons hoped to sign to a professional deal when he turns 17 in January. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has reported that Leeds will pay just £200,000 for Pirie, on a contract until 2026.

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Pirie looks set to become the next big thing to come from the Pittodrie academy, with boss Barry Robson - himself a former Blades player - desperate to keep hold of his services. But he has reportedly moved closer to the exit door to join Leeds, fresh from their relegation to the Championship last season, with Aberdeen due a compensation fee when his anticipated exit is confirmed.

Pirie was linked with United before their transfer embargo was imposed in January. That block, which was later lifted, scuppered hopes of signing young starlets including Ethan Brierley and Silko Thomas, who has since been released by Chelsea.

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Like officials at his former club, Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom has knowledge of Scottish football from his time in charge of Hibs and was keen to see United bolster their academy ranks after the high-profile departures of Will Lankshear and Kylan Midwood last season, to Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively.

United will continue to scour the UK for top young talent that they feel they can bring in and develop, to help their aims of becoming a self-sufficient club. But it looks like any hopes they may have had of signing Pirie are about to be dashed as Leeds look to tie up a deal.

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