Former Sheffield Wednesday scout explains why Owls passed up on Leeds United starlet tipped for international honours

Newcastle-born Leif Davis, 19, was offered to the Hillsborough club by Andrew Ferguson, an Owls scout working with the Wallsend Boys Club that produced England stars such as Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Michael Carrick as well as former Wednesday managers Brian Laws and Steve Bruce.

Now at Leeds after a £50,000 transfer from Morecambe, Davis has made five appearances across all competitions for Bielsa’s side this season – already matching his tally from last season – and has been a star of their under-23 side.

It’s an effort that has recently earned him a new contract in West Yorkshire.

And speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, it comes as no surprise to Ferguson, who was surprised at Wednesday’s reticence to take a look at the youngster.

“I was working for Wednesday as a youth-team and first-team scout and I went down there to try and get them to take him but they had a boy called Fraser Preston who they deemed better, they wouldn’t take a look at Leif,” he revealed.

“I knew Stewart [Academy boss Stewart Drummond] at Morecambe and I said I’ve got a left-footer you’ve got to take a look at.

“Leif could have played in the first team at Morecambe. When you watched him in the 18s, watching other left-backs in League One or League Two, I knew he was better.

“Age is a number. Even at 16, 17 he was good enough.

“When he wasn’t getting in, I know there were two clubs came in with big bids, bigger bids than Leeds paid. I said stick it out and you’ll get your chance.

“He fully deserves his new contract,” said Ferguson, who backed Davis to impound Wednesday’s anguish at overlooking him and go right to the very top of the game.

“If I could put a bet on that he’d play for England, or Wales – I think he has links on his mum’s side – I would.

“He will get international caps.”