Adam Clayton left behind a mega-rich club in Manchester City but the young midfielder had no qualms about throwing in his lot with Leeds United.

"Leeds is a massive club - just as big as Manchester City. It's definitely a place and an environment where I can learn and get better as a player," he said.

Although Leeds - and, for that matter, most clubs - don't have the cash that City have at their disposal, you can see the youngster's point.

"Everything at Leeds is geared up for the Premier League, the stadium, the facilities, the tremendous atmosphere, the fans - they're brilliant aren't they? - so I think it is definitely somewhere that I can grow and develop as a player," he added.

Adam, who joined Leeds on a month-long loan deal at the beginning of August, signed a three-year contract with the Elland Road club on transfer deadline day this week.

He admits it was a relief to have left behind the uncertainty that can surround a loan arrangement and secured a permanent deal. "When you come an a month's loan you can feel as though you have to move the earth sometimes to impress and having got on only a couple of times it was in training where I was going to have to do that.

"It looks like I did that and, hopefully, I will be deserving of the contract. I was delighted to get the deal done and now I can't wait to get my career with Leeds started.

"There is always going to be expectations at Leeds United because it is such a massive club but I know the players here can handle it because they did that last season when they went up.

"If we keep fighting for every point, keep on scrapping, I think we can be there or thereabouts this season. We are all in it together and, to be honest, we are all good friends already. I feel quite close to a lot of the squad. They are a good bunch of lads," he added.