Mason Cotcher has been spotted on trial with Leeds United's promotion rivals Ipswich Town after pitching-up at Elland Road, previously, in his ongoing attempts to find a new club. The 17-year-old striker progressed through the academy system at Sunderland and has spent time training with Arsenal.
Reports from East Anglian Daily Times indicate Cotcher played - and scored - as a trialist for Ipswich Under-21s at Portman Road on Tuesday afternoon. He was offered professional terms at Sunderland after first making his name as a youth player, but rejected that opportunity in order to explore other options.
Cotcher has since trialled with Arsenal and Manchester United - as well as being linked with other top clubs - and reportedly impressed Leeds during a spell at Thorp Arch this season. Earlier this month, reports from The Telegraph suggested Leeds were working on a deal to sign him.
READ MORE: 'Unbelievable weapon' - Leeds United tipped to re-sign Sunderland star Jack Clarke
However, the forward - who can play out wide or in a central position - is still on the radar elsewhere with an eye on the upcoming summer transfer window. Cotcher did not make one single first team appearance for Sunderland before his departure, but was a highly-rated member of the academy system on Wearside.
He has also been capped by England U17s. Cotcher made two appearances for the young Lions in 2023.
Leeds are thought to be keen on bolstering their attacking options in the youth team after signing Lewis Pirie and Josh McDonald last summer. Cotcher provided 10 goal contributions in 18 games for Sunderland U18s last season as he went on to train with Arsenal, Leeds, United and seemingly now Ipswich.
Scottish giants Rangers and Brighton are mooted to be monitoring the forward, too, with Cotcher scoring after he was introduced from the substitutes bench for Ipswich U21s against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday afternoon. The goal helped them pick up a 2-0 victory - with East Anglian Daily Times flagging up his impact in that match.
As and when Cotcher settles on his next club, Sunderland will be due a compensation fee. The amount is expected to be settled at tribunal if a financial package is not agreed between those involved.
Get Leeds United news to your phone with our WhatsApp community
Want the inside track on transfers? There's now a way you can get breaking news and the best reads sent straight to your device. By joining the Leeds United community on WhatsApp, you'll see the biggest and best stories as soon as they happen.
It's quick and easy to join. Just click this link and select 'Join Community' to get started.
No one else in the community will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the Leeds Live sports team. We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
