Fulham sign up promising youngster
The 18-year-old central defender has developed through the West London club's youth academy and is tipped to be in the same mould as Leeds United and England centre-half Rio Ferdinand.
The Cottagers academy director Steve Kean hopes that Leacock will provide Fulham with a future world-class defender of their own.
Kean told the Fulham official website: "Dean's a very commanding player who has made fantastic technical improvements over the last year.
"He's quick and we think he's got the potential to be a player comparable to Rio Ferdinand, so we're very excited about him.
"When you think about Rio at Dean's age, they're very similar in stature and pace.
"I would actually go as far as saying that Deano looks better on the ball at this age than Rio was.
"Obviously, over the last 18 months, Ferdinand has developed into a fantastic player.
"But hopefully, with another 18 months under his belt, Dean can progress even further."
Kean was unable to say when manager Jean Tigana (pictured) might introduce him to the first team but is hopeful his chance will come soon.
He added: "It depends on the opportunities he gets. Sometimes through injuries and suspensions, an opportunity can pop up.
"I think he wouldn't let anybody down if he got into the first team. Certainly the pace of games in the Premiership wouldn't catch him out.
"I think he probably needs a few more reserve games under his belt. Having said that, within a couple of months he should be chomping at the bit."
Leacock was involved in Fulham's youth side which had a solid run in the FA Youth Cup last season and the youngster made some impressive displays in the competition.
The young defender was delighted at signing his first professional contract and flattered to be held in the same regard as Ferdinand.
Leacock said: "I suppose I play a little bit like him, it's nice to hear people saying that but I think he's a much better player than me at the moment.
"But I definitely think that I've progressed at Fulham.
"I used to be a very relaxed and casual person, but the coaches here trained me to have a bit more bite in my game."
