England Under 16 international midfield player Danny Rose, who was the subject of an offer from Chelsea, has accepted Leeds United’s offer of a two-year scholarship starting next season.

“We are delighted at his decision,” said Leeds’ Chief Executive Officer Shaun Harvey. “He was the subject of an offer from Chelsea but we turned that down. We believe that both his and our best long term footballing interests are best served if his future is with Leeds United.”

Academy manager Neil Thompson describes Rose as a boy with a lot of ability and potential. “Now it is about realising that potential,” he said.

“He has played for the England Under 16s and he has been in our Under 18 academy side since Christmas, although he is still only 15 years old. He is a left-footed, attacking midfield player, aggressive and good in the tackle — a tough player and he is someone who will get forward and create things.

“Having decided to stay with us, he will have a good progression route here. We feel he will be able to develop with us and I think that Danny has seen that as well and that that is why he decided to stay here. Now we hope he will realise his potential. The opportunity is there for him just as it is for any youngster who signs with us,” Thompson added.

Danny is one of ten promising young footballers who have accepted two year scholarship deals with the Elland Road club.

The other promising young players are: Nathan Cartman from Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School, Halifax; Oliver Hotchkiss from Houghton Keepier HS, Durham; Ross Wilkinson of Gilesgate Sports College, Durham; Stefan Connor of Lawnswood HS, Leeds; Fabian Delph, Tong Secondary School, Bradford; Christopher Fisher, Morley HS, Leeds; Duane Grace, Willow Garth HS, Barnsley; Jason Mycoe, Selby HS and Chris Ovington, of Rodillian HS, Wakefield.

But two other young players, Tom Taiwo and Michael Woods, who were also offered scholarships with Leeds, subsequently turned them down.

“They have been released and are on trial at Chelsea. If they sign for another professional club we will be entitled to compensation,” added Shaun Harvey.