Leeds United face a battle to land Motherwell's Stuart McKinstry after Southampton had a bid accepted for the talented youngster.

Reports from the Scottish Sun at the end of December emerged revealing that the 16-year-old winger could join the Whites in a deal worth up to £400,000.

He had travelled down to Elland Road to see the club as well as visiting their training base and was expected to sign for the Championship leaders.

However, the same paper has now confirmed that the Saints have also agreed a fee with Well for the teenager and are hoping to convince him to join them instead when talks take place.

McKinstry signed a deal with the Scottish Premiership side in the summer that would've kept him at the club until 2020 and he recently made the bench for a game against Kilmarnock, showing how highly-rated he is.

Despite that, they clearly feel the bids tabled from the English clubs are acceptable and the player now has a choice to make as to where his future lies.

The Verdict

This is a blow for Leeds as McKinstry is clearly a player they want to sign and one they feel has a lot of potential.

However, the fact he hasn't signed almost two weeks after visiting the club and with Southampton now interested, it suggests he may join the Saints.

But, time will tell and if that is the case the Yorkshire club will just have to look elsewhere.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.