Leeds United

Leeds United: Whites in the lead to sign Ola Aina

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Leeds United are reportedly at the top of the list to secure a January transfer deal for Torino right-back Ola Aina. 

After working his way through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, the 26-year-old joined Torino back in 2018 on an initial loan deal before becoming a permanent signing just under a year later.

With 103 appearances for the Serie A side under his belt, the defender has scored two goals and delivered six assists.

As things stand, Aina is set to see his contract at Torino expire at the end of the season, though it has now been reported that a move back to England could be on the cards for him.

According to a recent report from Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Leeds are ‘in the lead’ to sign the former Chelsea youngster this month, with Torino willing to sell the defender.

The report also adds that while the Italian club are keen to pick up around €8m (£7m) for the player, a fee of around €5-6m (£4.4-5.2m) would be enough to land his signature.

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The first half of the current season has seen the £30k-per-week full-back show how much of a useful figure he can be up and down the pitch.

For example, in terms of his defensive attributes, Aina has the joint-fourth-highest number of successful tackles (10) at the club as well as the fourth-highest percentage of aerial duels won (57.1%).

Meanwhile, with regard to his attacking output, only one other Torino player has delivered more crosses into the 18-yard box this season than the former Blues ace (6), who also has the fourth-highest number of successful dribbles at the club (11).

Should Leeds make a move to sign Ola Aina this month?

Yes

Yes

No

No

His overall performances this season in Serie A have earned the defender, who has been described as an “animal” in the past by teammate Cristian Ansaldi, a rating of 6.74/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at Torino.

In terms of a potential move to Leeds, given the fairly low transfer fee that it could reportedly take to sign him and what could be capable of offering on the pitch, launching a move for Aina is perhaps something that appeals to Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta this month.

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