Leeds United are set to battle it out with three Premier League clubs for the signature of highly rated Oldham Athletic centre-back Tom Hamer, according to Football Insider. 

Everton, Burnley and Brighton are also thought to be closely monitoring the 18-year-old with bids expected to be made by all four imminently.

Hamer only broke into the Oldham squad at the end of last season and made just nine appearances, but they were enough to alert bigger clubs to his qualities.

The defender rose through the ranks at Boundary Park before his debut last season and the League One club are not keen on selling their rising star, although their resolve is expected to be seriously tested.

Leeds are yet to make a permanent signing this summer with their only arrivals being Lewis Baker and Jamal Blackman who have both joined from Chelsea for the season.

A centre-back is high on Marcelo Bielsa's wish list this summer and having missed out on top target Kyle Bartley they are likely to intensify their search soon.

The verdict 

This would be a great signing for Leeds although it would not help their immediate hopes of promotion a lot.

What the Whites need, and Bielsa seems aware of this, is a ready-made Championship quality centre-back who could take the place by storm.

Hamer would be a great investment and will most likely be a great player in the future, but with Leeds' short-term goals it is unlikely to wow the fans too much.