Leeds United are "not happy" that Finley Gorman has chosen to leave the academy for Manchester City in what is expected to be a record-compensation fee deal for a 15-year-old, according to Beren Cross.

The Leeds Live journalist reported on the outlet's website on 13 November that the Whites were left powerless to keep hold of the "teen sensation", who has "gone viral" online, due to his young age meaning he couldn't sign professional terms at the club until September 2025.

The club had reportedly "tried to convince" the attacking midfielder to stay in West Yorkshire and follow in the footsteps of 17-year-old first-team regular Archie Gray, but after visiting the City training complex in Manchester he decided to "take the leap and fight through a congested path to senior football" at the treble-winners.

The Athletic had reported earlier on 13 November that the move is expected to result in a seven-figure compensation payment to be received at Elland Road.

It is difficult for most clubs to withstand Manchester City interest even for regular transfers these days so when there is no control over a departure the chances are hugely reduced.

Clearly it is about as difficult to breakthrough the amount of talent at the European champions as it is anywhere in the world, but if Gorman is that highly rated he clearly either backs himself to do so or feels their facilities are the best for him to develop over the coming years.

Gray's presence as a key part of the senior squad so early in his career surely does help the club argue their case in terms of a pathway, but he arguably only secured that status thanks to a lack of alternatives.

Daniel Farke elevated him to starter alongside Ethan Ampadu to start the campaign when he had little other choice, with Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev still to arrive and all senior options from last season gone or going.

Whether the experiences of various other youngsters, including Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood, Charlie Cresswell, Cody Drameh and so on, may have equally had an impact on Gorman's decision is hard to say but likely won't have helped the matter.

The deal isn't sealed quite yet but it sounds like it is as good as done, and after regularly looking to add top academy talent to the set up at Thorp Arch the Whites are now going to lose one against their will.

In other Leeds United news, a "huge blow" has been tipped at Elland Road with Tottenham "sniffing around" a first-team regular.

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Leeds United news as 'secret agent' looks to set up Archie Gray switch already