Speaking after putting pen to paper on a first professional contract with Leeds United, Academy midfielder Loui Whitehead explained what the new deal meant to him.

Last campaign, the youngster made 29 appearances within the Thorp Arch setup, including five outings for Scott Gardner’s Under-21s.

“It is a proud moment for me,” he began. “I have been working for this all the way since I started and it is all I have ever wanted, really.

“I signed when I was Under-9 and I am 17 now. So, it has been a long one but it has gone quickly. It means a lot, really.

“It is all I have ever worked towards. It is all I have looked for. I have played football all my life so it is all I have wanted.”

Discussing his style of play, Whitehead added: “I think I have got better as it has gone on. I think technically I have got better but also physically. I have grown a bit more. I have got a bit stronger so I can deal with bigger players now.

“I would probably say I am a more technical player. I play with passes and the range of passing is good. I play a lot of forward passes.

“I would like to thank everyone, really. My friends, my family, my coaches, everyone that has been there for me and brought me here. I need to keep being focused and not getting carried away.”