Preston midfielder Lewis Leigh hasn’t even played a league game for the club yet, but he is already wanted by Arsenal and other Premier League clubs.
Leigh was born in Preston but actually started out with Liverpool before being signed by North End for the Under-14 age group.
The 17-year-old has been seen on a number of occasions in pre-season games, with Frankie McAvoy seemingly taking a liking to the teenager.
Leigh could play a part in Preston’s first-team plans this coming season, but his potential is already being spotted.
Football.London report that Arsenal, Everton, Leicester City and West Ham United all want to sign Leigh.
Now, McAvoy has told Lancs Live that he sees similar traits and ability in Leigh as he did with James McArthur and James McCarthy at Hamilton Academical.
“Lewis has been great for me, he is 17-years-of-age and I just look at him – I was at Hamilton Accies with James McArthur and James McCarthy, who progressed and made top careers in first team football – and this wee fella has got a chance,” he said.
McArthur and McCarthy may not be the biggest names, but they have been Premier League regulars for a long time now.
McArthur has racked up almost 300 Premier League appearances at Wigan and Crystal Palace, whilst McCarthy has played 272 games in the top flight with Wigan, Everton and Palace.
Preston would no doubt love Leigh to get to that kind of level, as he would either play a key role for Preston or be sold on for big money – as long as a professional contract is sorted out soon.