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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to reports from Football Insider, Leeds United have finalised a move for 16-year-old Stuart McKinstry.

The article states that the youngster was regarded as one of the best young prospects in Scotland, and it seems that the Whites are pulling off this type of deal quite often nowadays.

What’s the story?

Football Insider initially reported back in April that this move was set to happen, and now he has joined up with the Yorkshire club.

The report also says that the Whites beat Premier League side Southampton to his signature.

This is a massive coup for Leeds. It’s a well-known fact that St Mary’s is a lucrative destination for any young footballer looking to progress their careers as they have produced some incredible talent in recent years such as Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana and Theo Walcott.

A viable option

Throughout this transfer window, a number of young players seem to have opted to consider Leeds as an option rather than more historically lucrative destinations.

Liam McCarron signed for the Whites this week after being looked at by Wolves. Leeds are also said to have bid for Cody Drameh, and following that development he is still yet to make his move to Germany despite apparently undergoing a medical last month with Frankfurt.

Marcelo Bielsa’s tendency to give young talent such as Jamie Shackleton and Jack Clarke a chance, as well as Carlos Corberan’s incredible work with the U23 squad, has seen Elland Road become a viable option for any young player looking for a new club.

This trend of signing youth talents from under the noses of top clubs could see the Whites reap the rewards for years to come.