With a progressive if ultimately frustrating 2018-19 campaign done and dusted for Leeds United – and a continued Championship stay confirmed – attention now turns towards their off-season plans.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side missed out on reaching the Premier League but with the Argentine hoped by many to remain at the helm, the Whites could look set to challenge for honours again at Elland Road next year.
The rumour mill is already whirring on who could join the ranks of United, with Bolton Wanderers teenager Luca Connell one name floated this week.
But just who is the Republic of Ireland youth international? LeedsLive takes a look…
Who is Luca Connell?
The teenager is a midfielder and defender for relegated Championship side Bolton Wanderers, having come through their junior ranks.
He made his senior debut in a FA Cup defeat to Bristol City earlier this year and has since gone on to notch up double digit appearances for the club under Phil Parkinson.
Born in Liverpool, he has played for the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
What has he done?
Given that he has only made his debut in the second half of this season, Connell is yet to achieve anything of note – though he has been one of the few sparks of light in an otherwise dire season.
In addition to their financial woes off-field – Bolton’s lapse into administration is likely the catalyst for them to consider selling their young talent – they have failed to deliver on it, finishing last-but-one in the Championship.
Why do Leeds want him?
United will be expected to make a few changes to their squad in the next few months, namely as they look to refresh themselves ahead of another charge at promotion.
Connell may not be a product of the much-vaunted Leeds academy system but both his age and talent fits with Bielsa’s modus operandi in terms of blooding young players in the first-team.
