Leeds United have announced the signing of Australia under-20 goalkeeper Robbie Cook from native club Perth Glory on a two-and-a-half year professional deal.

The 18-year-old, who has been tipped for a bright future, will enrol into the United academy with immediate effect. The youngster has been part of the Australia national squads at the under-17 and under-20 age groups.

It is understood that Leeds were not the only domestic club interested in Cook and had competition for his signature. Reports elsewhere had linked Manchester United and Sunderland with the teenager.

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A statement from Leeds United read: “Leeds United are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Robbie Cook, who joins the club from Australian outfit Perth Glory.

“The highly rated and much-sought-after 18-year-old arrives in West Yorkshire after progressing through the ranks with A-League outfit Perth and will now immediately link up with the Academy at Thorp Arch.

“At international level, the shot-stopper has been involved with Australia’s Under-17 and Under-20 sides. Cook has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year professional deal at Elland Road, running until the summer of 2027.

“Everyone at Leeds United would like to welcome Robbie to the club and we look forward to seeing his future development.”

In other academy news, United's under-18s were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by holders Manchester City on Tuesday in what was a repeat of last season’s final. Oliver Boast, aged 15, got the home side’s only goal of the match as 10-man Leeds fell to a 6-1 defeat.

Youngsters in the academy have seen graduates Sam Chambers and James Debayo make their first-team debuts this season, the pair coming on against Plymouth Argyle back in November. The duo might be hoping to get minutes in this weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie with Millwall.