Burnley U23 coach Steve Stone admits he's impressed by Leeds United's worth in the youth transfer market.
Stone has been speaking to LancsLive ahead of Monday's reserve fixture, paying particularly close attention to the areas Leeds have impressed in this season.
"Leeds have got a decent model, their home games is where they put players in and their away form is probably a true reflection of where the team sits," Stone said, making reference to the frequent first-team drop-ins.
Marcelo Bielsa has been keen to help his peripheral first-team players and those returning from injury regain fitness by blooding them in U23s games.
"They also buy a lot of players, they have expanded their recruitment and brought players in and been successful. The Leeds model is one you definitely look at and think 'can we emulate that and get to that?'" Stone added, rather tellingly.
"We need to look at how is their recruitment, or a Norwich recruitment, and how they bring players through and what do they do? And while you don't copy it you are always looking at what other teams are doing to go along with our own strategy to see if we can get better."
Stones added: "There is definitely evidence out there to say if you can bring your own talent through, get the best free transfers and you spend a little bit of money - so you are looking at three fronts. And that is the best way to be successful to try and get players through to your first team or have a career in the game, which is ultimately what we are trying to do."
