Manchester City have blocked Leeds United from signing Tommy Doyle by awarding the England U19 captain a four-year contract extension, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Leeds are said to have courted Doyle earlier in the summer as boss Marcelo Bielsa and Director of Football Victor Orta continued to strengthen the ranks at Elland Road ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League, but were unable to seal a deal for the talented teenager.
Doyle was convinced by the City hierarchy to snub a potential permanent move to West Yorkshire when his pathway into the first-team was put forward to him, with it made clear that opportunities to play and train under Pep Guardiola will be forthcoming.
A packed schedule to start the 2020/21 season will also present Doyle will plenty of chances to impress Guardiola and add further senior outings to his name, having been awarded his debut and two subsequent outings across all competitions last term.
The 18-year-old, who the Manchester Evening News note impressed first-team coaches during last summer’s pre-season tour of Asia, also produced consistently in the youth ranks during the prolonged 2019/20 campaign to warrant his new, four-year contract extension.
Manchester City confirmed Doyle’s new deal on Friday, keeping the talented teen at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2025, having first joined the club at the age of eight.
Doyle was thrilled to be able to put pen to paper on fresh terms and has vowed to keep pushing in a bid to make the Sky Blues his home for the long-haul.
“I see this place as my home,” he told CityTV. “I’ve been here so many years and to be offered a new contract was a massive thing for me. It was a no brainer to sign. Now it’s all sorted, I’m happy and ready for the start of the season now.
“I’m very happy with my progress. I am just trying to use the staff as much as possible and the players to get as much information for me to grow as a player and a person. I think the main thing is stepping out on that pitch and when I’ve done it, every time I’ve loved every minute of it. Hopefully this season I can get some more appearances and keep kicking on.”
A summer departure is not yet totally off the cards, however, as the Manchester Evening News add that the Sky Blues hierarchy have not ruled out a loan deal for the 18-year-old to spend the 2020/21 campaign away from Guardiola’s close attention.