Leeds United have reportedly made an official offer for Sunderland’s 17-year-old sensation Mason Cotcher.

The 17-year-old forward has recently been on trial with the Yorkshire club over the last few weeks and having impressed, The Telegraph report Leeds United want to permanently sign him.

Having progressed through Sunderland’s academy, Mason Cotcher has featured for the club at different youth levels recently and is regarded as one of the brightest youngsters outside of the Premier League.

Leeds United chasing 17-year-old Sunderland prospect Mason Cotcher

Last season, he played for Sunderland’s U18’s side in the Premier League 2, netting nine goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. Furthermore, he earned a spot in Mowbray’s squad for their FA Cup match against Shrewsbury Town in the previous campaign.

Leeds might view Cotcher as a prospect for the future at Elland Road. If they manage to secure him from Sunderland permanently, he would likely join their development squad initially. According to the Sunderland Echo, although offered a deal by the Black Cats last summer, Cotcher has yet to sign it.

Leeds United are firmly pushing for automatic promotion to the Premier League having been in the top four for almost the entirety of the campaign. The Whites are in second place trailing league leaders Ipswich Town by a single point. Leicester City are closely in pursuit of the pair on 85 points.

Meanwhile, their U21’s youth team sit at the foot of the Premier League 2 Division 1 table on 11 points, which could be where Mason Crotcher ends up if Leeds sign him over the next few weeks.

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Leeds United have taken teenage forwards Mason Cotcher and Majid Balogun on trial as the Championship outfit looks to strengthen their academy. 

That is according to LUFC Youth, who states that the two players are currently free agents and that Leeds are willing to give them a chance through a trial.

Cotcher left Sunderland last summer and was training with Arsenal earlier this season amid interest from Rangers, while Balogun joined Man United as an under-14s player two years ago.

Producing talent is as important as ever for English clubs due to recent run-ins with Financial Fair Play regulations as it helps add players to the senior squad and then sell them for 100% profit.

Leeds have been actively looking to add highly-rated youngsters to their academy set-up in recent years and this shows that this is continuing.

Daniel Farke is a coach who is willing to give young players a chance if they are good enough, with Archie Gray being the example to follow.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta certainly has a way about him which seduces professional football players.

A great career as a player, the Spaniard is now carving out a successful path as a manager, and it only appears to be a matter of time before another Premier League crown is heading back to the Emirates Stadium.

Declan Rice spoke in glowing terms about his new manager’s approach just after joining Arsenal for a club record fee.

“It’s crazy. I’m already seeing football in a completely different way,” he said to Sky Sports (h/t Goal).

“You think you know football growing up and when you play, but when you meet managers like Mikel, you realise you don’t really know anything.

“Of course, the way I played at West Ham is completely different to the way Mikel plays, so it’s gonna take some time to adapt. I’m really eager to learn, to improve, to ask questions.”

When players of that ilk are in awe, then it’s blindingly obvious why a 17-year-old prospect might find himself making the same judgment.

According to The Telegraph (subscription required), ex-Sunderland star, Mason Cotcher, has been training with the Arsenal first-team under Arteta’s watchful eye.

The outlet also credit Scottish Premiership giants, Rangers, with an interest, and report that compensation for his services would be much lower if he decided to ply his trade north of the border.

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Jul 23 2024, 15:32

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Jul 23 2024, 14:26

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Jul 23 2024, 14:02

Whilst it isn’t clear at this stage which way Cotcher and his family will lean in terms of a decision, Arteta has almost certainly played another blinder in terms of making a young man feel welcome and wanted.

When all is said and done, that’s as important as being part of a successful set-up that regularly wins trophies.

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