Leeds United have officially completed the signature of Scottish teenager Stuart McKinstry from Motherwell more than four months after the player signed a scholarship at Elland Road.
The 16-year-old was one of 13 youngsters who put pen to paper on two-year youth deals back in April, despite no official word from the Scottish club on his exit.
The Scottish Premiership club only confirmed his exit over the Bank Holiday, explaining the finalisation of paperwork delayed the official move.
The Whites have agreed a compensation package for the midfielder, who has represented Scotland at under-17 level, which will see Motherwell receive a guaranteed fee dependent on progression.
A Motherwell statement said: "Marcelo Bielsa’s side agreed a compensation package that will see Motherwell receive a guaranteed fee with the opportunity to earn further, should he progress and/or Leeds sell him in the future."
Chief executive Alan Burrows noted while the club were hopeful of keeping McKinstry, they also would not have stopped the 16-year-old's exit.
"We were understanding of the opportunity this was for Stuart and importantly, his desire to move there," said Burrows.
“The deal was actually agreed with Leeds back in the spring and Stuart has been down there with his new club since this summer, but it has taken a significant amount of time to complete and the paperwork and receive the necessary clearance, which was finally concluded last week."
McKinstry joins the highly-rated youth set-up at Thorp Arch led by Carlos Corberan, whose under-23 side lifted the Professional Development League title last year, but the teen is expected to play with Mark Jackson's under-18s initially.
Leeds meanwhile will face Stoke for the second time in four days this week when they meet in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Elland Road on Tuesday.
