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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

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Top-flight manager says Leeds United try to sign Celtic talent in January transfer window

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

Ross County manager John Hughes has told that Leeds United tried to sign Celtic teen🌃ager Leo Hjelde in the January transfer window, but instead the younℱgster moved on loan to Dingwall – where he has since impressed.

Hjelܫde, 17, has gone on loan to Ross 🉐County from January after failing to make his senior debut for Celtic in his first 18 months at the club – following his move from Rosenborg in the summer of 2019. He has clocked up nine Ross County appearances.

Despite h🎀is age, Hughes has placed his faith in the Norway youth international. He has played at centre-back, left-back and in numerous other positions – even scoring his first professional goal in a 3-2 Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock.

Premiership manager Hughes has commented on Hjelde – claiming🐬 that the youngster will become the “next” Virgil van Dijk who, of 💝course, starred for Celtic before moving down south. He also stated that Leeds tried to sign him, before going on loan.

“Leo is going tꩲo be the next Van Dijk – t🌸rust me on that,” Hughes said. Playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderfu♊l experience for Leo. Before he came, Leeds United were after him.”

TBR’s view – Hjelde has enormous, enormous potential

To be playing regularly and to the standard he is performing at, at Ross County in the top flight of Scottish Premiership is remarkable. He has become a regular in the side, and has t🍰hree caps for Norway’s Under-17 side.

With Leeds United’s Under-23 side expected to ওgain promotion to Premier League 2’s top tier on Friday – ad🔯ditions are likely to be made to Mark Jackson’s reserves and Hjelde would be an excellent place to start.