Leeds United complete first signing of the January transfer window with the arrival of Caprile

By @ed_mcintyre98

Leeds United have announced the permanent signing of young goalkeeper Elia Caprile, who has joined from Italian Seria B side Chievo Verona.

Caprile becomes United's first signing of the January transfer window, putting pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the club, meaning his contract runs until the summer of 2023.

The 18-year-old has initially been brought in to join up with Carlos Corberan's Under-23s side, however it's believed he will train with Leeds' senior goalkeepers, 33-year-old Spaniard Kiko Casilla and France Under-20 international Ilan Meslier, who impressed in United's FA Cup third-round clash against Premier League side Arsenal away at the Emirates Stadium on January 4th.

Elia Caprile, who is a product of Chievo's youth system, is yet to make an appearance in senior football but he is highly thought of in his home country, having already featured for Italy's Under-18s side.

Elia Caprile in action for the Italy Under-18s

It has been suggested that Elia Caprile will become the club's third-choice goalkeeper, leapfrogging 21-year-old Will Huffer and 23-year-old Kamil Miazek in the pecking order. Caprile could also have a place on the bench in the event that current first-choice goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is handed a ban, with an FA investigation over alleged racial abuse ongoing.

Watch our video on Leeds United's new signing below: