Darren Bent has given the inside track on reported Leeds United transfer target Elkan Baggott - and says he can understand why the Ipswich Town youngster is attracting attention.
Leeds have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old defender, along with Premier League rivals West Ham United.
Ipswich, though, are hoping to keep hold of the 6ft 4in centre-back by securing his services on a maiden professional contract.
Baggott has already made his senior debut, in Town's EFL Trophy tie with Gillingham in October, and has been part of the first-team set-up for other games this season.
He has also been part of the under-18 side that has reached the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
Former Ipswich striker Bent has jokingly warned Leeds off swooping for one of his old club's rising stars.
"First of all, Leeds better leave my young Ipswich Town players alone, just leave them where they’re at," he told Football Insider.
Bent added: “He’s a youngster I’ve seen quite a lot this season, he is very, very good. I’ve seen him a fair bit and obviously, I still speak to a number of people who have been raving about him.
“Leeds obviously identifying this is a young lad that could get better so I can fully understand it, because he’s a good player.
“He reads the game relatively well for a youngster, for a young kid he reads the game very well. He’s relatively comfortable in possession as well.
“The biggest thing for defenders, I think too many people get caught up on like John Stones, for instance, that that type of centre-half that can play, can bring it out.
"I’d compare him more to someone who takes pride in his defending.”
The East Anglian Daily Times reports that Baggott and his representatives are currently considering a contract offer from Ipswich and that the club remain confident of getting a deal done.
