Middlesbrough are leading Leeds United in the race to sign highly rated Bohemians striker Ali Reghba, according to reports from Football Insider.

The forward has caught the eye playing for the League of Ireland outfit, and he marked his debut for the club with two goals in late September.

Leeds United had been linked with the signature of Reghba, but the 18-year old is s currently on a two-week trial at the Riverside Stadium, as Middlesbrough’s coach staff have a close look at the Irishman ahead of a potential bid in January.

Reghba has also caught the eye on international duty with the Republic of Ireland’s Under-19 side, so looks to be a real prospect for the future.

Both Leeds and Middlesbrough are competing with each other at the top of the Championship table, with both sides looking to strengthen their youth ranks with glowing youth talent.

The Verdict

This is an interesting development for sure - it'd be a good signing in the long term for Middlesbrough, and at 18 he has plenty of time to grow as a player.

Leeds should look to step up their interest and rival Boro.

However, ultimately, Leeds do have a number of talented strikers emerging in the form of Ryan Edmondson and Sam Dalby to name a few - so the demand for a new young striker perhaps doesn't need to be a priority.