Liam McCarron is on the brink of leaving Carlisle United – with a move to Leeds believed to be close to completion.

Elland Road is understood to be the teenage winger’s destination in a six-figure deal.

The Blues had previously rejected a number of bids but sources in Yorkshire say an agreement is now imminent.

The move, which is likely to be confirmed today, will see 18-year-old McCarron join Marcelo Bielsa’s squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

United have not yet commented on the move beyond manager Steven Pressley’s comments last week that McCarron’s departure to another club looked imminent.

Leeds, long-term admirers, have always been frontrunners amid interest from other Championship and top-flight clubs.

The Blues, it is believed, were prepared to offer the teenager an extended and improved deal if there was a possibility of McCarron remaining at Brunton Park.

But sources close to Leeds told the News & Star that the young player saw the opportunity to move to a club of their size and status as too good to turn down.

United are likely to have the option to take loan players from the Championship club as part of the deal. Pressley hinted that was the case in a press conference last week.

McCarron is likely to go into Leeds’ under-23 squad initially, while it does not appear there is the immediate prospect of them loaning the winger back to the Blues.

The move will cap a rapid rise for the Appleby-based player since he broke into the first-team picture at Brunton Park last season.

He made 20 appearances, including four starts, under Pressley and previous boss John Sheridan after rising through the youth team ranks under former academy boss Darren Edmondson, and being handed a professional deal at 17.

Leeds are set to announce a number of signings this week as well as McCarron, having this morning confirmed the loan arrival of Brighton defender Ben White and Manchester City's Jack Harrison, and also been linked with Wolves' Helder Costa.

McCarron’s departure, meanwhile, will leave another gap in the squad for Carlisle to fill, while Blues fans will hope some of the proceeds from the youngster's sale will be reinvested in the team.

They remain in pursuit of a number of targets in different positions, but a deal for Gateshead midfielder Tom White now looks unlikely.

United had hoped to bring in the former Blues youth player, but talks are believed to have broken down.

Reports in the north east last week suggested a compensation fee was a stumbling block, but it is understood there are other “political” factors why Carlisle have walked away from discussions.

Carlisle have different midfield targets in mind and are more confident of bringing in a young loan player from a Premier League club in that position.

They are also still interested in another experienced centre-half, while they remain hopeful over a possible return for Sheffield United forward Nathan Thomas.

There is understood to be League One interest in the 24-year-old but Carlisle are still optimistic former loan man Thomas will agree to rejoin the Blues.

The Cumbrians also have good expectations that the trialists currently with the squad will make a strong case for a deal.

A fourth trialist has linked up with the Blues today for their first full week of pre-season training.

The new player joins the trio who have been with the club since last week: a striker, a centre-half and a centre-half who can also operate in midfield.