Promising young Matlock Town defender Ashton Hall has reportedly snubbed a contract offer from Leeds United, opting to join rivals Sheffield United instead.

Hall was on trial with the Whites earlier this summer but his arrival at Bramall Lane was confirmed yesterday, with Matlock receiving an undisclosed compensation payment.

According to Vital Leeds, the 18-year-old was offered a professional contract by Leeds but turned it down in favour of a move to the Blades.

Hall began his youth career at Sheffield United but was released by the club at the age of 14. 

The Englishman joined the Gladiators and, in 2017, became the youngest ever player to sign a long-term contract with the club.

In addition to being made captain of the development squad, Hall has won the Academy NPL League title and the Derbyshire Divisional North Cup.

During his trial with Leeds, the defender trained with the under-23s side and represented the under-18s side in a 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town.

Matlock boss Dave Frecklington described his performance for the under-18s as “excellent” and “outstanding”.

He added: “He didn't put a foot wrong against Shrewsbury and looked like he'd been there for all of his career.

“His attitude and application have always been outstanding and I'm really really pleased for him.”

Hall was one of seven development players to sign a professional contract with the Blades.

The Verdict

Given the attention and offers he had received from both Yorkshire clubs, Hall seems to have been an in-demand player and Leeds will be disappointed to have missed out on signing him. 

The 18-year-old looks a really promising young talent, and his former manager has indicated that “his attributes far outweigh the non-league game” and that he needed to move to “enhance his development”. 

The Whites have been really active in adding reinforcements to their youth teams this summer, bringing in ex-Manchester United player Alfie Hughes, and Barcelona duo Guillermo Amor and Rafa Mujica amongst others.

Given Pontus Jansson’s recent exit, there is a chance that a move to Leeds could have led to first-team footballer sooner rather than later.