Pete O’Rourke believes that RB Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson is still top of the list for Leeds despite having two bids rejected in the recent January transfer window.
Aaronson has got eight goal contributions in 18 league games this campaign for Salzburg, and has attracted the attention of Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds had two bids rejected for the American midfielder, with the second being £20m, but Leeds couldn’t match the figure that Salzburg had in mind.
O’Rourke told GiveMeSport that he believes Aaronson is still a ‘top target’ for Leeds in the summer and their ‘stance’ hasn’t changed.
“I don’t think that stance has changed from the Leeds recruitment team. They still want to bring in two midfielders, and Aaronson remains a top target in the summer,” O’Rourke said.
TIF Thoughts on Pete O’Rourke’s comments…
Aaronson is a wanted man after impressing in the Austrian Bundesliga for Salzburg and also producing eye-catching performances in the Champions League.
Leeds nearly got their man in January but fell just short due to money issues as they weren’t prepared to budge any higher.
Bielsa’s side have been riddled with injuries this campaign, and they have been particularly light in the midfield area with Kalvin Phillips‘ lengthy absence. Aaronson was arguably a necessity for Leeds but they failed to bring him in.
The boat may have sailed for Leeds in terms of getting the American in the door at Elland Road as other clubs have started to show interest including four Bundesliga sides: Borussia Monchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Freiburg.
If the 21-year-old continues to shine then this could attract even more clubs and potentially bigger teams who may be in a financially better position to get his signature.