United miss out on Kebbie as Leeds youngster is Barcelona bound

Having seen off interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton for the last three years, Leeds United believed they were close to keeping one of the hottest young prospects in English football on their books.

But after moving to Barcelona and playing in a trial match with one of the Spanish giants’ youth teams at their famous La Masia training ground,
Halifax-born 16-year-old Elliot Kebbie has turned down a scholarship with the Yorkshire club and is on the verge of joining the European champions.

Hot property: Barcelona are close to securing a deal for Elliott Kebbie 

A Leeds spokesman confirmed: 'We have retained our right to compensation should Elliot choose to pursue a football career in Spain and sign for another club.

'But this is an amicable parting of the ways and there is no issue with Barcelona over this.'

Kebbie’s scholarship at Elland Road was due to begin this summer, but he has now relocated to Spain with his mother Maggie Goodyear and impressed in the trial earlier this week.

He is set to play for the club on Wednesday night.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates will demand substantial compensation from
Barcelona for the England Under 16 winger, who has trained with the Yorkshire club since he was eight.

Learning from the best: The world famous La Masia training complex has created a generation of world beaters

Kebbie, whose younger cousin Lahia is at Fulham’s academy, clocked 11.5sec for the 100metres when he was 14 — close to national honours.

Leeds centre-back Leigh Bromby, 31, said: 'From what we’ve seen of Elliot, he looks a real prospect.

'He’s lightning quick like Walcott but has other things in his locker too.

'And if a club like Barca are looking at him, then it shows he must have the potential to go a long way.'