Leeds United are tracking "the next Virgil van Dijk" to bolster their Under-23s after rekindling their interest in Celtic defender Leo Hjelde.
The 17-year-old has impressed after joining Ross County on loan in January and is highly rated within the Scottish giants.
Leeds are keen to add a centre-back to Mark Jackson's squad and will embark on a recruitment drive similar to last season to bolster the academy roster.
That could include a bid to sign Hjelde, who doesn't turn 18 until August and has one year left on his contract after joining Celtic two years ago from Norwegian club Rosenborg.
According to Ross County boss John Hughes, Leeds have held a previous interest in Hjelde and talked up the defender as "the next Virgil van Dijk".
"Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk - trust me on that," he said.
"The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men's football and standing up to it - it's been a wonderful experience for Leo.
"Before he came, Leeds United were after him. I think he had to sign an extension to his contract for the loan to go through. He’s got massive things in front of him. He won’t be far away from Celtic’s first team when he goes back.
“This will do him the world of good. Training and playing with men, getting battered about and coming back for more. He’s got more in the locker. He’s got a great left foot."
