Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry has claimed that Leeds United joined a number of the Premier League's big-hitters in an attempt to sign 18-year-old Ricky-Jade Jones during the January transfer window.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are among those who are said to have enquired about the teenager in the past, and it seems the most recent transfer window was no different.

Reflecting on the interest in Jones that emerged in January, Fry told the Peterborough Telegraph: “We had more clubs interested in Ricky in January than we did in Ivan Toney.

“They were all after him. United, Liverpool, Arsenal, but we told them all the same thing and that it was a waste of time bidding as we were determined to hold on to him."

Despite that interest, it appears the club who made the most significant attempt to sign Jones last month, were Leeds.

Revealing the Championship promotion-chasers desire to recruit the midfielder, and Posh's own response those approaches for the player, Fry explained: "Leeds were actually the most determined to sign Ricky. They were on several times as they think Ricky is going to be the next Tammy Abraham.

"I told them if that’s the case he must be worth £15 million already!"

Since making his debut for the club earlier this season, Jones has gone onto make a total of 15 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring four goals.

Peterborough have already secured Jones to his first professional contract with the club, which is set to keep him at London Road until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict

You can certainly see why Leeds might have been interested in Jade-Jones this month.

When you look at the positive impact he has already had during his short senior career with Peterborough, it is clear there is potential there to be exploited.

With the history Leeds have of bringing through young players into their senior side in recent times as well, this is a deal that would seemingly have fit the transfer mould for the Elland Road club.

However, an asking price of £15million may have been too much of a risk for Leeds to take on such a young player for now, although that does appear to be a significant statement of intent from Peterborough as they target a return to the Championship sooner rather than later.