Leeds Live 19/6/21 Who is Amari Miller? Leeds United linked with highly-rated Birmingham City prospect
Reports suggest the Birmingham City youngster is closing in on a move to Elland Road
Leeds United are reportedly in negotiations with
highly-rated teenage midfielder Amari Miller and believe the deal can be
wrapped up by the start of next month.
The Birmingham City prospect is said to be in negotiations
over a move to the Whites, with discussions now at an ‘advanced' stage.
A report from Football Insider states that both parties are
in dialogue and believe the deal can be pushed through for the 18-year-old by
July 1.
The piece goes on to state that a move away from St Andrew's
for the English player looks imminent, saying: ‘it now looks likely that Miller
has played the last of his five senior matches for Birmingham.’
Here LeedsLive take a closer look at the highly sought-after
youngster - and answer precisely why United would want him.
Who is Amari Miller?
Miller is a Birmingham-born winger who was handed his first
professional contract last year.
He was one of five players to graduate from the Blues’
academy as a scholar during his second year and featured in five games for the
side last campaign.
These appearances were mostly coming off the bench - but
Miller did then make consecutive starts against Cardiff City and Blackburn
Rovers at the tail end of the season.
What has he done so far?
As well as the five outings for the Championship side,
Miller featured in three of Birmingham's pre-season friendlies ahead of the
2020–21 season.
In his final pre-season game against Walsall, he scored the
second of Birmingham’s three goals in their 3-0 victory.
This then was followed by 187 minutes at a professional
level last campaign, which has been enough to pique the interest of many top
clubs, according to the same report.
Why would Leeds want him?
Leeds United were active in their under-23s recruitment last
summer following the Thorp Arch academy's promotion to a category one status.
The likes of summer signings Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and
Cody Drameh all impressed as Mark Jackson's side claimed the Premier League 2
Division Two title and all featured in first-team squads at various stages of
the season.
The club are again expected to bring in new faces at this
level this summer.
In Miller, there’s the fact he’s able to play on both wings.
This versatility would be greatly enjoyed by Marcelo Bielsa,
who could see the winger as another personal project.
What has been said about him?
Even in the limited time he’s played, Miller has done enough
to be granted high praise by Birmingham manager and former Leeds player Lee
Bowyer.
The 44-year-old boss said via Birmingham Live: “[He adds]
Goals, assists, pace, something that we probably lack a bit is pace. He’s at
that age where he is fearless. When he came on against Stoke, he got himself
into an area and wasn’t afraid to go at the defender.”
“I think he will be a good player. He just needs to keep
working hard. Hopefully, this taste that he’s having will drive him on for next
season," Bowyer said.
“I like him as a person, his manners and he’s respectful.
The senior players love him as well. He’s going to make mistakes, but he keeps
going. He’s fitted into the group well.”