Leeds hold talks with West Ham over Sonny Perkins fee in bid to avoid tribunal - The Athletic 18/7/22
By Phil Hay
Leeds hold talks with West Ham over Sonny Perkins fee in bid
to avoid tribunal.
Leeds United are set to sign youngster Sonny Perkins amid
ongoing discussions with West Ham United about a fee for the midfielder.
Leeds are attempting to negotiate a settlement with West Ham
and prevent a decision on Perkins’ value being made by tribunal following the
18-year-old’s departure from the London Stadium last month.
The Athletic revealed in June that Leeds had lined up a deal
to sign Perkins and were confident of tempting the England Under-18
international to Elland Road.
Perkins formally quit West Ham at the end of his scholarship
on July 1. West Ham said he had turned down the offer of a professional
contract with them and described themselves as “extremely disappointed” with
his decision.
A statement released at the time read: “The club is
disappointed with Perkins' representatives and strongly believe he was
approached to sign for another club which led to him asking to be released from
his scholarship at West Ham United.
“West Ham United take this matter very seriously – we
believe the rules and structures in place at the Football Association and
Premier League should be upheld at all times.”
Leeds have not made any comment on their interest in Perkins
but they are understood to reject any suggestion of wrongdoing. West Ham are
entitled to compensation for Perkins and a fee will be set by tribunal if they
and Leeds cannot reach a deal.
Perkins was one of the most highly-rated players in West
Ham’s academy and will link up with Leeds’ Under-21 squad ahead of the new
season.
