Talented teenage defender Leonard Ngenge has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Leeds United in the summer transfer window, according to Soccernet.

The report states that the Ikorodu City youngster will initially join the Whites' Under-18s squad before gradually moving up to the U21s setup. FIFA rules prohibit players joining English clubs under the age of 18 but by the time Ngenge's contract with the Nigerian Premier Football League outfit expires and his pre-contract is struck, the left-footed defender will have turned 18.

Ngenge, considered a bright young prospect in his country, has already played 18 senior games for Ikorodu. The 17-year-old, who can be utilised as a centre-back or at left-back, scored his first pro goal in a 2-0 win over FC Heartland at the start of the month.

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Speaking to All Nigeria Soccer on Ngenge's proposed move to Elland Road, Ikorodu’s sporting director Wale Quadri said: “Ngenge has an existing deal with Leeds United, it’s a pre-contract. By August he should be joining Leeds. He was scouted in Nigeria and then invited to Leeds for further training.

“He came back like two weeks ago from Leeds. That should be his second visit to Leeds. He is being signed as a player for the future, they are waiting for him to turn 18 years."

It is no surprise the Whites are already putting plans in place ahead of the summer transfer window. The West Yorkshire club will be hoping to seal a Premier League return over the coming months.