Leeds United 'in talks' for Philadelphia Union's Kai Wagner

Leeds United in talks with the Philadelphia Union over left-back Kai Wagner, a two-time All-Star among the club's all-time assist leaders.

Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin confirmed the news on Saturday night and according to CBS Sports, Leeds manager (and former MLS coach) Jesse Marsch is 'driving' the potential move, with Benfica interested as well.

Marsch, formerly of the New York Red Bulls, is close friends with Union coach Curtin, and the pair have talked about Wagner - as reported by MLSsoccer.com. 

'I've had discussions with Jesse,' Curtin said. 

'Obviously he's on their radar, there's no question about that. But so are a lot of other good left backs in the world. So, it's a unique window in that it doesn't really close until September for them.'

Before Philly can consider selling Wagner, they need to receive a formal offer - something Leeds have yet to submit according to MLSsoccer.

A move for Wagner, who's started all 25 games for the Union this year, would hamstring the team at this point in the season.

With the MLS transfer window already closed, Philly would not be able to bring in an external replacement as it eyes a potential MLS Cup run.

The Union are currently first in the Eastern Conference by five points, and made the conference finals last season only to see their season effectively ended by a mass COVID outbreak within the team.

Leeds have started Pascal Struijk at left-back in the first two games of the season with Junior Firpo out injured.

Aside from his own MLS coaching (and playing) experience, Marsch still has close ties to the league at Leeds. 

Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson, formerly of the Red Bulls and Union respectively, were signed this summer, and Aaronson's younger brother Paxten