Leeds United have today announced that young pair Charlie Cresswell and Stuart McKinstry have signed their first professional contracts with the Whites.

The pair are highly-rated at Elland Road and the club confirmed on their official site that they have both agreed three-year deals that will keep them in Yorkshire until 2022.

Cresswell, a defender, has worked his way through the ranks over the years and has been the captain of the U18 side, with his performances catching the eye, meaning he has also featured for Carlos Corberan's U23 outfit too this season.

Meanwhile, winger McKinstry is a more recent addition to Leeds, joining earlier this year from Motherwell after breaking through at the Scottish Premiership side in the previous campaign.

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He has slotted in with the U23s since arriving and is considered a very bright talent.

Both players will be delighted at the news and they will see Leeds as the ideal club to continue their development, with Marcelo Bielsa showing he will give academy lads a chance.

Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton are two who have made the step up from Thorp Arch in recent years.

The verdict

This is great news for Leeds as both of these players are tipped to have big futures so to secure their future on long-term deals is important.

It proves that the club are seen as an attractive option for younger players and the player will see a clear pathway to the first-team.

Now, it's down to the duo to continue to kick-on, to impress in the U23s and they know chances will come their way if they do.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.