New signing Mike Grella is hoping to make an immediate impact at Leeds United after signing his first professional contract.

The 22-year-old American signed an 18-month contract on transfer deadline day, and he is hoping to influence the club's push for promotion from League One.

Grella, a USA under-20 international, scored a hat-trick in the reserves against Barnsley two weeks ago and is hoping to deliver more goals in the coming weeks and months.

"The club said at the beginning of the my trial that if they were looking to sign me it would be to make an impact this season and especially next season," explained the striker.

"That's what I want to do. I want to be involved and progress. I want to make an immediate impact, hopefully scoring goals."

Mike joined the club fresh from university in America - MSL side Toronto were waiting in the wings to sign him, but he was keen to make an impression in Europe.

"When I spoke to my agent about coming here I was excited and having signed a deal I want to make an impact and get up the ladder," he explained.

"I've played in the States since I was three years old. I've played for university and national teams and once I finished my education I was keen on coming over to Europe.

"I have been to England a few times, but I had to decide what I wanted to do. I decided to go to university and finished as soon as I could.

"There were other possibilities for me over here, but as soon as I knew about Leeds I was very interested in coming here.

"I knew about the club and the fans and how passionate they are about the game. You can see that from the big numbers at games home and away."

Mike is the second American to play for the club in recent years, following in the footsteps of our former USA international Eddie Lewis.

"That was one of my reasons for wanting to come to the UK," added Mike.

"This country has opened up the door to Americans before."

You can see more from Mike Grella on LUTV...