Luke MurphyLeeds United are keeping a close eye on Crewe Alexandra midfielder, Luke Murphy, according to Sky Sports.

Murphy has been with Crewe since 1997, graduating from their academy to make his first team début in 2005.

Still only 23 years-old, Murphy has already made 186 appearances for Crewe scoring 25 times. He was a key part of their League Two play-off winning side in 2012 and also helped the club to win the Football League Trophy earlier this year.

The midfielder appears to be the kind of relatively unknown, lower-league hidden gem Brian McDermott is famed for unearthing. If Leeds are to secure his services however, they’ll likely face some stiff competition with Swansea City, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers all believed to be interested.

McDermott also faces competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers who have already had a bid for Murphy accepted. League status alone should be enough to see off Wolves’ advances (relegated to League One last season), but if the other names being linked are indeed interested, Murphy won’t be short of opportunities to advance his career.