Phil Hay: Leeds will try to sign 23-assist starlet leading his country's golden generation

Leeds United target Brenden Aaronson will be ‘up for grabs’ during the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Whites seemingly spent most of January trying to lure the 21-year-old to Elland Road but RB Salzburg managed to keep hold of him.

Endless transfer rumours linked Leeds with a move for the USA international, who has scored five goals in 18 caps for his country and is seen as someone spearheading their golden generation.

Indeed, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani submitted bids of £15m and £20m, per The Athletic, and even considered sending a third offer before the deadline. The bids were reportedly turned down because the Austrian champions wanted the American to play a part in their Champions League knockout tie with Bayern Munich.

Aaronson may well leave Salzburg at the end of the season then, and a new update suggests there could be quite the tussle for his signature.

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay made it clear that the young midfielder will be a wanted man in the summer, adding that Leeds are still ‘so keen’:

“Everyone thinks Aaronson will be up for grabs in the next window.”

It seems clear that Aaronson is a major target for Leeds and he ticks so many boxes when it comes to looking for ideal summer signings.

At 21, he is at an age where he should improve immeasurably in the coming years, but he has already made 51 appearances for Salzburg and started all six of their Champions League games so far this season, highlighting the experience he has a the top level.

Leeds are lacking a genuine No.10 in their team – somewhere who can link the midfield and attack in central areas – and Aaronson, with 23 career assists, could be that man, giving the Whites an extra attacking dimension