Leeds United's hopes of signing Harry Cochrane any time soon appear to have taken a hit after the youngster signed a new deal with Scottish side Hearts.

The Whites had been linked with an interest in the wiry midfielder earlier this season after a string of impressive displays in his breakthrough season in Edinburgh.

Indeed, he's a good few years shy of his 20th birthday but already has an eye-catching show-reel with him bossing the likes of Celtic when the Jambos beat the Bhoys 4-0 at Tynecastle.

Clearly, he's a player with a bright future and would have been an exciting prospect for Leeds to have on their books but it looks as though their chances of pulling it off have become far slimmer:

Of course, contracts do not mean as much as they used to in this game but with a young player like Cochrane it seems safer to assume he'll be continuing his development north of the border.

The Verdict

Leeds will have to look elsewhere if they want to add to their midfield.

Of course, for such a young player there was no guarantee he'd immediately make an impact at Leeds but you cannot deny he looks a bright prospect.

It is a setback, then, and Leeds will hope other targets won't follow the same path in the coming months.

Thoughts, Leeds fans? Let us know below!