PROFILE Eirik became David O'Leary's second signing when he joined Leeds on a five year contract from Norwegian second division side Sogndal for £1.75M in May 1999. Bakke impressed the United manager in a short trial at the end of the 1998/99 season and in his second appearance for Norway in their 6-0 romp over Jamaica two weeks later and was quickly snapped up to become the first close season arrival. Tipped to become one of Norways top stars of the future, the 21 year old midfielder, who captains the Norway U-21 side, is seen as a player of the future, rather than the finished article and he faces a battle to win a place in the Leeds midfield for the 1999/2000 season. But Eirik showed how keen he was to come to Elland Road, when he turned down reported offers from Chelsea and Rosenborg and is excited by the prospect of joining the O'Leary era, which has already seen a host of young talent emerge through the United ranks. Billed as a stylish playmaker who likes to get forward and score goals, Bakke's progress will be closely monitored by United coaching staff and fans alike.