Preston North End midfielder who was interesting Arsenal, Everton and West Ham, signs first professional contract at Deepdale
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Leigh, 17, this evening put pen to paper on a three-year deal which runs until 2024.
The teenager was a regular through pre-season in Frankie McAvoy's squad, featuring in a number of the friendlies - including against St Johnstone, Bolton, Accrington and Wigan.
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Hide AdIt had been claimed in the media that several Premier League clubs were eyeing him, including Everton, West Ham, Leicester and Arsenal.
However, Ashton-on-Ribble lad Leigh has now signed with his home town club and is delighted to have done so.
Leigh told iFollow PNE: I'm over the moon, obviously it's a proud moment for me and my family.
"I've worked hard since I started playing football when I was very young so I'm buzzing with it.
"It's been a long time coming, it's my home town club.
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Hide Ad"I'm buzzing, I'm thankful for it as well. It's a huge show of faith from Frankie so I'm happy."
Leigh made the bench once last season as a first-year scholar, that for the 2-1 defeat at Millwall in March.
He joined PNE's academy at Under-14 level after previously being with Liverpool.
PNE head coach McAvoy said: "I'm delighted he's committed his future to the club. He's a Preston boy and I've been delighted with his progress so far.
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Hide Ad"The most important thing is we need to make sure that young players have an opportunity and a chance to develop, that they become part of our squad, then we try and tie them up as early as we can.
"Lewis is one of them; he’s done really well. We’ve involved him throughout pre-season and I’m just delighted that he’s managed to stay here and he’s got a big future, and hopefully that big future is with Preston North End."
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