Photo courtesy of Duke Athletics
By DYLAN BUTLER
Following a successful two-week trial, former Duke University standout Mike Grella has been offered a contract to play with English League One side Leeds United, sources told SBI on Friday.
Grella, who turned 22 last week, scored a hat-trick for the Leeds reserves in a 4-0 win against Barnsley at Elland Road and immediately opened the eyes of manager Simon Grayson. The native of Glen Cove, L.I., who holds an Italian passport, is still in contract negotiations with the club, but a deal is expected to be finalized soon, according to sources.
Grella, a first-team NSCAA All-American this year, bypassed the MLS Combine, but was still selected by Toronto FC with the 34th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft two weeks ago despite letting it be known that he would pursue a contract in Europe.