Leeds have emerged as frontrunners to land Chelsea starlet Lewis Bate.
MailOnline revealed on Monday that England under-19 midfielder Bate was subject of interest from a number of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals, including Leeds.
The Yorkshire side are long-term admirers of Bate, were well-placed to sign him but also faced competition from Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton who had also spoken to Chelsea about a deal.
However, talks have progressed over the last 24 hours and there is now a cautious optimism that Elland Road will be the 18 year-old’s next destination.