Leeds United have not signed goalkeeper Robbie Cook despite reports coming out from the Australian media, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist has claimed on X that the 17-year-old keeper is currently on trial at Leeds, and talks of signing him (as shared by the Oz media) are premature.
According to The West Australian, Leeds are set to pay a small financial compensation fee to sign the highly-rated teenage goalkeeper.
The Australian newspaper reported that Cook signed a three-year deal with the Championship leaders after leaving Perth Glory.
Smyth says even if Leeds decide to sign the youngster, he will join the U21 side, where he will compete alongside Harry Christy and Rory Mahady.
“Reports in Oz that Leeds United have signed 17yo keeper Robert Cook a little premature,” wrote Smyth.
“He’s been trialling with Leeds for a while. If they do finalise his signing he’d be one for the 21s, competing with Harry Christy and Rory Mahady.”
Robbie Cook – Should Leeds consider him a player for the future?
Cook has been linked with a move with Leeds for some time now. The youngster has been linked with several English clubs, and Leeds can sign him permanently if he can impress them on the trial.
He is a young goalkeeper with plenty of potential, but as it stands, he has not joined the club yet.
Illan Meslier remains the first-choice keeper at the club, but he has been heavily criticised this season following his blunders against Sunderland and Hull City.
The Leeds keeper has kept 14 clean sheets this season, but he has made errors. The Frenchman is often linked with a move away from Elland Road, and Leeds should start planning for the future already. Cook could be the right profile of young talent needed at the Yorkshire club.
