Leeds United ‘ready to capitalise’ as Birmingham City star looks set for January departure

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Birmingham City wonderkid George Hall, who has been a long-term transfer target for the Lilywhites. The 18-year-old, who has made an impressive 18 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship this campaign despite his age, has also been looked at by an array of unnamed Premier League clubs.

Jesse Marsch’s side were close to raiding Blues of Hall in the summer but failed with their move. Now, though, it seems Leeds will get their man as a report in TEAMtalk details that they are ‘ready to capitalise’ on the recent takeover failure at St Andrew’s. It is said the financial issues are likely to force Birmingham into a sale.

It had been widely reported previously that Blues were starting to sense an inevitability about the transfer saga given how impressive Hall has been when featuring under John Eustace this campaign. He has only scored one goal and contributed one assist, but his involvement has been far greater than that.

Birmingham are currently 14th in the Championship standings – a far greater position than many Bluenoses would have expected at the start of the season. Although Hall’s appearances have often come from the bench, he has been a key figure when fixture congestion has built up, as he has stepped in for first team regulars Krystian Bielik and Tahith Chong.

If Hall were to make the move to Elland Road, he would be joining a Leeds team currently on the edge of a relegation battle. His minutes would probably be limited given the midfield depth the Lilywhites already possess, but injuries to key players could certainly provide somewhat of a guarantee of game time at some stage.

The move would no doubt be attractive given the clear step up from a mid-table Championship side to a team that should theoretically be strong enough to stay in the Premier League. It should be noted, though, that Hall has been with Birmingham since he was eight, and so a transfer away won’t be an easy decision.