The summer transfer window has not opened yet, but we are reportedly close to finalising Stuart McKinstry’s move from Motherwell, as per Football Insider.
They are claiming that we have agreed personal terms with the 16-year-old, having been in on-going negotiations to bring one of Scotland’s most promising youth talents to West Yorkshire since January.
As McKinstry still has just over a year remaining on his youth deal at Fir Park, the Well are set to land £400,000 for his transfer, with the wide midfielder initially joining the Whites on a scholarship contract.
The deal will become a professional contract with a substantial pay rise upon his 17th birthday in September, with the Scotland U17 international following in the footsteps of Mateusz Bogusz and joining Carlos Corberan’s youth squad before he is incorporated into Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team set-up.
Negotiations coming to a positive conclusion will be a welcome outcome for those at Elland Road, as the transfer fee had been agreed with Motherwell ever since February, when The Scottish Sun reported that a £150,000 plus £250k deal was on the cards.
The bonus payout is understood to be on hold until the Wishaw-born ace makes his senior debut, something he is yet to do north of the border having been an unused substitute once.
McKinstry will be joining us on a three-and-a-half year contract, and adds another tricky winger to our ranks, who combines pace with a direct approach in front of goal.
His capture also signals a major transfer coup outside of securing one of Scotland’s most promising youth talents, as McKinstry was reportedly a target of Southampton, as well, who also have great pedigree at developing talent.