Leeds United one of four Championship clubs chasing highly-rated teenager, he will go for ‘a lot of money’

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EFL Analysis understands that Leeds United are fighting not only top European clubs, but also Championship rivals, when it comes to securing the signature of a top teenage talent.

Leeds United will be putting plans in place for next season already, with Daniel Farke’s side well-placed to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking alongside the likes of Sunderland and Sheffield United.

The Whites are on a 17-game long unbeaten run in the league, and have been top of the Championship for 13 consecutive game weeks, and 15 in total across 35 matchdays so far.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	35	22	10	3	72	22	50	76
2	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	35	23	6	6	50	27	23	73
3	BurnleyBurnley	35	19	14	2	45	10	35	71
4	SunderlandSunderland	35	18	11	6	52	32	20	65
5	CoventryCoventry	35	15	8	12	49	44	5	53
6	West BromWest Brom	35	12	16	7	45	32	13	52

Late wins over top two chasers Sunderland and Sheffield United tightened their grip on top spot, although vice-captain Pascal Struijk has called for more Leeds control in the final 11 games of the campaign.

The quicker they each gain promotion, the faster decisions can be made regarding additions and signings. They will already be discussing internally what the plan is for next season, but also long-term targets as well, and one includes Motherwell’s Lennon Miller for Leeds.

• READ MORE: Who will win the Championship Golden Boot race?

Leeds and Celtic joined by Middlesbrough and Sunderland in the race for Lennon Miller

Reports from TBR Football previously claimed the likes of Leeds, but also Celtic, Newcastle United, Man United, Spurs, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are among those who have been monitoring the midfielder.

Back in November, it was believed he was valued at around £5 million. That would make him the most expensive player in the Fir Park club’s history after David Turnbull’s £3 million departure to Celtic in 2020.

Now, the latest development could see numerous sides join the hunt. In an EFL Analysis exclusive, transfer expert and TBR Football’s Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, tells us Leeds are joined by multiple clubs in the second tier in the race for Miller.

He said: “Lennon Miller is going to be sold for a lot of money. But with his dad being a former player – he is going to be well advised.

“Does he go to a Liverpool or Newcastle where he would likely start in the U-23s or elsewhere so he can push straightaway for a first-team slot?

“All options are still being considered – Leeds and Sheffield United can’t be discounted, but so too, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.”

Each of these sides see him as one of the top talents for his age across Europe. It’s easy to see why his rise has been so significant, given that Miller has captained the Motherwell side on occasion this season.

Stuart Kettlewell has entrusted the 18-year-old with heightened responsibility when Paul McGinn and Stephen O’Donnell were unavailable due to injury, meaning Miller was named as team captain for Motherwell in the semi-final of the 2024/25 Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park.

Irrespective of whether Miller is a Motherwell player, a Sheffield United player, or even a Leeds player in 2025/26 or not, plans are taking shape for Leeds, with the likes of Jack Harrison rumoured to return, too.

• READ MORE: How much Championship title is worth as Leeds United and Sheffield United chase Premier League prize fund

Lennon Miller’s rise and stats amid Leeds and Sheffield United interest

Miller quickly became one of Motherwell’s most promising young talents. His development through their youth system was rapid, marked by technical quality above his age group but, crucially, a maturity beyond his years as well.

Given his ability, and potential to get better, most connected to Motherwell accept that Miller will take the next step in his career at some point. The 18-year-old has emerged as the brightest talent in Scottish football since establishing himself as a regular in the first-team.

He burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old in August 2022, becoming the youngest player in a major competition in Scottish football across the club’s 138-year history. It came as a second-half substitute in a 4-0 home victory over Inverness CT in the Scottish League Cup six days after his 16th birthday.

Primarily a central midfielder, Miller operates in a deep-lying playmaker role but has the versatility to play further forward when required. Farke and co. are likely to still be keeping tabs on his progress, but Leeds and Sheffield United’s priority remains the financial gain of promotion to the Premier League this season.