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EXCLUSIVE: Leeds signing of Brenden Aaronson to go through as Victor Orta gets his man – but there’s a catch

Brenden Aaronson goal celeb for RB Salzburg in Champions League qualifier v Brondby

Leeds United are confident of tying up a deal for Brenden Aaronson – but it is likely that he will move in the summer rather than January, TEAMtalk understands.

The Whites have zoned in on their midfield as a vital area to add to in the January transfer window. While Daniel James and Junior Firpo bolstered attack and defence in the summer, midfield is an area of concern.

As such, Leeds head coach Bielsa has identified RB Salzburg star Aaronson as a key target.

United saw their opening £15million bid for the USA international swiftly rejected. That was soon followed by an increased offer of £20m, with Salzburg once again standing firm.

And despite director of football Victor Orta being in Austria for negotiations, it seems Salzburg have little desire to sell this month.

Indeed, they are currently preparing for a Champions League round-of-16 tie with Bayern Munich. And weakening their squad this month appears the last thing on their mind.

However, we understand Aaronson has let it be known to Salzburg officials that he wants to make the move. But with a deal off the table this month, the USA international is prepared to wait to land his dream move.

In addition, he is keen to further his Champions League experience in the games against Bayern. The Austrians are significant second favourites to progress, but that will not stop them giving it their all.

Leeds to accept summer deal for Aaronson

As such, TEAMtalk understands that there is an acceptance on the Leeds side. As a a result, Orta and Co are reportedly confident of tying up Aaronson’s signature – but only once the current season is over.

That’s a stance recently shared by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who claims Leeds are facing disappointment this month.

RB Salzburg reject Leeds bid for Brenden Aaronson

RB Salzburg reject Leeds bid for Brenden Aaronson

Leeds United have had a bid for Brenden Aaronson rejected by RB Salzburg but will bid again for American international

He stated: “Sounded likely to me that Salzburg would turn the second bid down too. Haven’t been told that it’s been formally rejected but as we stand, it hasn’t been accepted.”

He also added: “If they can get Aaronson in this window then they will take him regardless.

“But even prior to this game, they’ve been clear about the fact that they’ll go for him again in the summer if they can’t get him now. I don’t feel like it’s results dependent.”

Brenden Aaronson wants Leeds transfer

Trusted transfer oracle Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, also claims Brenden Aaronson fancies a switch to Elland Road.

“Yes, it’s true. It’s true Salzburg rejected this proposal from Leeds,” Romano said in a video clip on the Que Golazo Podcast Twitter account.

“They want him, they’re obsessed with him, they want to sign him. But Aaronson is an important player

“They feel that he would be perfect for Leeds immediately but the problem is Salzburg prefer to wait.

“They have European football, they want to keep him until the end of the season and maybe sell him in the summer.

“This is why the situation is still not easy between the clubs.

“The player would be open to this move. But from the club’s side, from Leeds’ side and from Salzburg’s side, at the moment, nothing is agreed yet because they hope to keep the player until the end of the season.

“We will see what happens in the coming days. At the end of the transfer window, anything can happen. But at the moment, it’s not an easy one for Leeds.”

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