Elland Road transfer news: Leeds in 'open dialogue' over £20m star compared to Havertz

Leeds United are still keen on welcoming Red Bull Salzburg creative midfielder Brenden Aaronson to Elland Road and they have ‘kept an open dialogue’ ahead of a potential summer move, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Whites failed in their attempts to strengthen head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s squad during the January transfer window and they were left frustrated in their initial pursuit of Aaronson.

Leeds are reportedly confident of tying up a deal which will see Aaronson head to the Premier League at the end of the season.

It comes after the Whites failed with two bids last month. The initial proposal of £15million was followed up with a £20million offer soon after, but neither sum was enough to tempt Salzburg into selling one of their prised assets.

Salzburg are in the driving seat when it comes to the Austrian Bundesliga title race, while they are also in the Champions League last 16.

They will go head-to-head with Bayern Munich in the first leg next week and it is understood Aaronson’s current employers did not want to sanction his sale while they are still in the competition.

However, it has seemingly been confirmed that Salzburg are open to allowing the 18-cap United States international, who has been compared to Chelsea star Kai Havertz, to seal his exit in the summer.

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O’Rourke believes Leeds have refused to allow the trail to go cold after their initial discussions with Salzburg last month.

The journalist reckons the Whites have remained in talks with Aaronson’s current employers despite the transfer window now being closed.

He feels there is still a strong possibility that Bielsa will eventually be able to swoop for the 21-year-old