This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United's long-term planning was evident again this week, as the club confirmed on its website a new three-and-a-half year deal, for 19-year-old left-back Leif Davis.

Davis is a product of the Wallsend Boys Club, whose youth career also took him through Morecambe before arriving at Elland Road in 2018 ,and he has since gone onto make seven appearances at first-team level for the Whites.

So is it good business by Leeds securing a long-term deal for Davis? What do you make of the news?

We discuss........

Ned Holmes

"This looks like a really smart move to me.

"Davis has been on the fringes of Marcelo Bielsa's first team this season–having started twice in the Carabao Cup and come off the bench multiple times in the Championship.

"He was earmarked by Bielsa as someone that can break through this season and that appears to be happening now as he's featured in the last six matchday squads and come off the bench in the last two games.

"The 19-year-old looks an exciting young defender who brings an impressive combination of being defensively solid and pace that makes him dangerous in the final third.

"He has all the makings of a future starter, so tying his future down is a great call."

Josh Cole

“This could turn out to be an incredibly shrewd bit of business by Leeds as Davis has shown some encouraging signs this season at Elland Road.

“Although he has yet to tie down a regular place in the Whites’ starting eleven, the 19-year-old has made five appearances in all competitions for the club.

“Given that he is capable of playing in a number of different positions including left-back and centre-back, Davis’ versatility could come in handy for Leeds during the remainder of the campaign.

“With injuries and suspensions being part and parcel of every Championship season, the defender may be called upon to cover the likes of Ezgjan Alioski and Liam Cooper if they suffer setbacks.”

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George Harbey

"I think this is a really smart move by Leeds United - Davis is a real talent already.

"He has been impressive and has been shown faith by Marcelo Bielsa, and he could be a really important player for the Whites in the next few years.

"With Barry Douglas and Gjanni Alioski both slightly injury prone, Davis could step up to the plate and cement a place in the starting line-up if he continues to work hard and keep his head down.

"If any big clubs did come in for Davis in the next few years, then at least he'd be under contract so they can demand a big fee for him."