Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson says that the club will be making a "really good signing" if they are able to secure the services of Manchester City winger Ian Poveda.

The 19-year-old is reportedly set for talks with Leeds about a move to Yorkshire on Thursday, although the club are battling interest from elsewhere to secure his services, with Serie A duo Torino and Parma both also said to be keen on the teenager.

If Leeds are able to bring Poveda to Elland Road however, Robinson believes it will be a good piece of business for the Championship promotion chasers, so long as any deal is a permanent one.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News about the potential signing of Poveda, the ex-England international said: “If they can get Poveda on a permanent deal then it’ll be a really good signing for Leeds."

Explaining why he feels any deal completed would need to be a longer-term on, Robinson continued: “A loan signing of someone that age probably wouldn’t work to go into the squad now, but Leeds are obviously convinced about him.

“It’s not just now, though. In terms of longevity and looking to the future he will be a really good signing.”

A graduate of City's youth academy, Poveda has so far made just one appearance for the Premier League champion's senior side, in a 1-0 win over Burton Albion in the second leg of 2018/19 Carabao Cup semi-final, a tie City already led 9-0 from the first leg.

The Verdict

I do find myself agreeing with Robinson here.

While Poveda's recruitment by a club with the size and quality of City certainly indicates there is a great deal of potential to exploit here, he doesn't quite have the experience to match that yet.

As a result, you would have to wonder whether the winger would be capable of stepping into the promotion battle Leeds currently find themselves, and if he isn't, then a loan move is unlikely to benefit anyone.

A permanent move could however set Poveda up nicely as one for the future at Elland Road, allowing the club to bring him through to the first-team at a more gradual rate, just as they have done with some of their other younger players in recent years.