"Leeds are..." - Journalist now drops encouraging transfer update on potential eight-figure deal

Leeds United remain ‘really keen’ to sign Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson in the summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Whites endured an underwhelming January transfer window, failing to make any additions to Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad despite their injury issues in the first half of the season.

Bielsa’s charges did attempt to strengthen their midfield options last month, though, with The Athletic revealing they had a £15 million bid rejected by Salzburg for Aaronson.

The report claimed the Austrian champions were determined to keep hold of their prized asset ahead of their upcoming Champions League last-16 encounter against Bayern Munich, leaving Leeds frustrated.

Sky Sports then claimed the Elland Road outfit increased their offer to £20m for the highly-rated 21-year-old, although it also proved to be unsuccessful.

However, reporter Phil Hay has recently disclosed how ‘everyone’ thinks Aaronson will be available for transfer when the market re-opens following the conclusion of the current campaign.

With the 18-cap USA international also reportedly attracting the attention of Salzburg’s sister club RB Leipzig and Serie A giants AC Milan, Leeds could face a fierce battle for his signature.

Star midfielder Kalvin Phillips has suffered from several injuries throughout 2021/22, starting just 12 Premier League fixtures to date, and is currently sidelined until March with a hamstring problem.

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His enforced absence has exposed Bielsa’s lack of options in the middle of the pitch, and O’Rourke believes Leeds remain keen to bring Aaronson to the club ahead of his other potential suitors.

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