Leeds United are set to sign Motherwell starlet Stuart McKinstry in deal that could rise to £400,000, according to reports from the Daily Record live transfer blog (31/12, 11:13).

The 16-year-old was named on the bench for the first time in Well's recent home defeat to Kilmarnock, after being a hugely impressive figure for their youth team.

McKinstry has been watched by a host of high-profile clubs, however Leeds United look set to win the race to land the exciting winger, who signed his first professional deal at Fir Park in the summer until 2020.

Reports claim that the deal could be worth up to £400,000 based on appearances and sell-on clauses, with the youngster set to travel to Yorkshire this week for talks with the club, ahead of a potential move to Carlos Corberan's Development Squad.

Leeds' academy has produced some stars over the years, with Jamie Shackleton and Jack Clarke the latest players to emerge as first-team regulars this term. The latter has even been linked with moves to Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City after a string of impressive performances.

Marcelo Bielsa's Whites currently sit at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table, despite a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Hull City at the weekend.

The Verdict

McKinstry could be a great signing for Leeds - he looks to be a really promising player with a bright future ahead of him.

To be named on the bench at such a young age shows that he is someone to be taken note of.

He'll be looking to follow in the footsteps of Jack Clarke, who keeps on improving.

Thoughts? Let us know!