'Great young prospect' White attracting interest from Celtic

Football Writer

Tuesday 22 May 2012

CELTIC would be getting "a great young prospect" should they conclude a deal to sign Aidan White, according to Robert Snodgrass, his Leeds United team-mate.

Aidan White seems keen to explore his options

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Graeme Macpherson

White's contract at Elland Road expires at the end of June and Neil Lennon, the Parkhead club's manager is thought to be keen on the 20-year-old, who can play either left-back or on the wing.

White, an English-born, Republic of Ireland under-21 internationalist, has been in talks with Leeds about a new deal since the end of last year but has yet to sign and seems keen to explore his options. That has alerted Celtic to his availability, with Leeds due compensation for a player raised in their youth system should he elect to move on. Snodgrass, at Hampden yesterday to help promote the Tesco Bank Football Challenge, hopes White can be persuaded to stay at Leeds but outlined the qualities that have brought the player to Celtic's attention. "Aidan is a great young prospect," said the Scot. "One of his best attributes is his pace. He's an athletic lad and he's done really well for us. He's been offered a new contract and I hope he stays with us because he's a very exciting young talent. If he goes to Celtic then I will wish him all the best. I think he's first class. He will do really well no matter where he goes."He has that lack of fear that you have when you are a young kid. He just goes out and plays and gets on with it. He's a lovely kid and I wish him well wherever he goes but I hope he stays at Leeds."White played 39 times for the Elland Road club last season, including the narrow FA Cup loss away to Arsenal in January. Despite the defeat, Snodgrass was impressed with his young team-mate's contribution against Premier League opposition. "I've seen him play in the Emirates against Theo Walcott and against Andrei Arshavin and they didn't get by him once. He's a great defender and a great player. He can play left back but he can play on the wing and he is impressive there, too."Neil Warnock, the Leeds United manager, hoped White would commit his future to the club. "I've told him he's got to be careful that he doesn't go for money and doesn't play a game," he said recently. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town look poised to complete a £300,000 move for Celtic striker Daryl Murphy, who has been told he can leave Parkhead after spending last season on loan at Portman Road.

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'Great young prospect' White attracting interest from Celtic

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