Leeds United hoping to steal talented Sheffield Wednesday defender Osaze Urhoghide, according to reports

Midfield starlet Liam Shaw has already agreed a pre-contract deal with Scottish giants Celtic, sparking frustration in a fan base that has seen George Hirst and Sean Clare move on in similar moves in recent seasons.

The Star revealed earlier this week that a contract offer had been tabled for young defender Osaze Urhoghide but that there was also interest from other clubs.

It is understood that the 20-year-old, who has impressed on his return to the Owls first team since his comeback from a long-term knee injury, is focused entirely on his football and that any talk of a potential move is not at the forefront of his mind.

Reports in the national media suggest there is Premier League interest in Urhoghide, with Wednesday’s Yorkshire rivals Leeds United having expressed an interest in his signing as well as Crystal Palace. Championship promotion contenders Watford are also reportedly interested in taking the youngster.

Any pre-contract agreement for Urhoghide from another English club would likely see Wednesday compensated far better than they were for any of the aforementioned talents as it would involve a tribunal as opposed to a set fee set in place by FIFA rules.

But the Owls are understood to be very keen on keeping hold of the Holland-born defender, who has played in eight matches this season.

Urhoghide burst onto the scene last season in an FA Cup tie at Brighton before offering a man of the match performance the following weekend at Leeds.

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