Leeds now leading the race for "special" £18m-rated sensation, Marsch will be buzzing - opinion

Leeds United have now emerged as the front-runners to sign USA star Brenden Aaronson this summer.

The Red Bull Salzburg sensation – who will no doubt be eagerly awaiting the World Cup draw later on Friday afternoon – has been linked with a switch to Elland Road in the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Football Insider, Jesse Marsch’s side have now come to the head of the queue in the race to sign him. The report adds that talks are now underway to sign the 21-year-old, who is Leeds’ number one priority for the summer.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay had previously indicated that the Whites were planning making a bid for Aaronson, who he had been identified by the club as someone who could add some much-needed creativity.

Hay said: “Leeds have telegraphed the fact that when the summer window opens, they intend to make a fresh bid for Red Bull Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson. US international midfielder Aaronson joined the serial Austrian champions in 2020 while countryman Marsch was head coach there, so his appointment at Elland Road was never likely to diminish Leeds’ interest.

“The dip in creativity within a squad who were so adept at creating chances for so long under Bielsa has left little doubt that Aaronson is broadly the type of footballer they should be looking at in the next window: largely within budget, and in possession of the right skill set. Leeds must wish they had found a way to address that midfield nine months ago.”

While Marsch may have since replaced Marcelo Bielsa in the dugout, the 48-year-old will also be happy to hear that Aaronson is someone who works extremely hard off the ball.

Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle said: “The special thing is, I hardly know any other No. 10 who works so much without