18-year old central defender Jack Vann and 20-year old wide midfielder Billy Whitehouse have both made the news of their imminent departures known on their respective Twitter accounts.

Following the conclusion of what had been a wholly torrid campaign for United's fledgling Under 23 development squad, both players (who had partaken in a season in which the team mustered a mere six victories in 2016-17) now appear set to depart Elland Road.

Vann, a player for whom many held high hopes, earlier took to Twitter to declare his heartfelt thanks to the club after spending no less than 11 years representing the Whites in various youth competitions.

His egress arises as a perceptible surprise, as the player had signed a professional contract with the club only last summer, following 40 appearances for United's Under 21 and Under 18 outfits in the 2015-16 season. He departs having failed to make a senior appearance for the club.

Billy Whitehouse meanwhile, leaves for pastures new after only one season with the club following a move from Doncaster Rovers. The winger did manage a competitive appearance for Leeds; featuring in the ignominious FA Cup defeat away to Sutton United in January, in addition to having played a solitary game for Guiseley of the National League during a brief loan spell.

He too wished the club well, as the task of unearthing precocious prodigies from obscurity to further their development begins in earnest for Leeds United.

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