Championship side Leeds United are on the verge of sealing a deal for Benfica forward Oliver Sarkic, who will join their development squad, reports The Yorkshire Evening Post.

The 20-year-old began his youth career with Belgium giants Anderlecht before moving to Benfica in 2014, although he has been unable to make a single first team appearance for the Portuguese heavyweights in the three years since.

However, the Englishman has performed reasonably well for the junior side at the Estadio da Luz, bagging seven goals in 61 games for the Portuguese second tier outfit, yet it appears that he is set to embark on his next adventure in England.

And that’s because recent reports suggest that Sarkic is on the verge of securing a half-season loan move to Championship club Leeds, which will see him team up with the Under-23 squad at Elland Road.

New head coach Thomas Christiansen oversaw quite the overhaul at the Yorkshire giants during the summer with several additions as well as many outgoings, which have all combined to an excellent start to the campaign for the second tier side.

And although Sarkic won’t be appearing for the first team in the immediate future, impressive efforts for the Under-23 squad in the Professional Development League could see the Englishman earn a senior appearance at some stage during his half-season stay at Elland Road.

The Verdict: There has been much change at Leeds United over the summer, and it appears that their transfer business isn’t quite over just yet.

And that’s because the club are close to securing a deal for Benfica’s Oliver Sarkic, a Montenegro youth international who has appeared at Under-17, Under-19, and Under-21 level for his country.

He has been on the books at Benfica for three years now so clearly has much potential, and although the 20-year-old is unlikely to make an impact on the first team scene, it’s another indication that Leeds are placing great emphasis on youth and indeed the future of the club.

Ultimately, things certainly appear to be heading in the right direction at Elland Road.

Leeds fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!