Leeds eye up experienced Prem star as bargain replacement for key man
Leeds United have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace full-back Patrick van Aanholt if he becomes a free agent this summer, according to reports.
Van Aanholt is in the final few months of his contract at Palace. Manager Roy Hodgson – who is in the same boat – has already confirmed that talks with all players over new deals must wait until their Premier League safety is confirmed.
Hence, doubts remain over whether Van Aanholt will remain at Selhurst Park next season. He has seen his gametime decrease this season due to competition with Tyrick Mitchell.
There were already rumours that he could leave in January. Arsenal were interested in Mitchell, but then switched their attention to Van Aanholt.
In the end, they signed neither, but speculation has persisted with the Dutchman. It was recently claimed that he was in talks with an unnamed Champions League club.
But now, according to The Mirror, Leeds are also showing an interest.
Marcelo Bielsa wants to bring in another left-back at Elland Road. Like Van Aanholt, Ezgjan Alioski is out of contract at the end of the season.
Therefore, it is likely that Leeds will need to find a replacement. Van Aanholt would be an intriguing option.
Patrick Van Aanholt has shown great maturity
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says Patrick van Aanholt has shown great maturity after the left back was subjected to racist abuse on social media.
The 30-year-old has plenty of Premier League experience, having come through the ranks at Chelsea before spending time with Wigan and Sunderland when they were both in the top flight.
Since joining Palace in January 2017, he has made more than 100 appearances for the club. However, his time there seems to be coming to an end.
Leeds still feel he is capable of doing a job in the Premier League, though. Therefore, they could try to lure him to Elland Road in the summer.
An alternative for Leeds would be the more youthful Yasser Larouci. He too will become a free agent in the summer when his contract with Liverpool expires.
Leeds were interested in him in January, and The Mirror mention him as a possible option still.
Van Aanholt to replace Alioski?
As for Alioski, it seems the North Macedonia international will be calling time on his stint with Leeds this summer.
According to Turkish source Milliyet, the wide man wants to join Galatasaray next season. The two parties are in talks and while those discussions are ongoing, Alioski has turned down the chance to sign an extension with Leeds.
Should he depart as expected, it would leave Stuart Dallas as the only left-back in the Leeds squad.
Hence, they are searching for other options. Van Aanholt could be one of the players they pursue to fill the void.
READ MORE: Leeds beaten to free-agent left-back