Leeds United are reportedly readying an improved bid for Red Bull Salzburg starlet Brenden Aaronson, who is keen on working with Marcelo Bielsa.
According to Daily Mail, Leeds United are set to step up their pursuit of Brenden Aaronson. The Red Bull Salzburg attacker has emerged as a top target for the Premier League outfit, as they look to shore up their offensive options. However, Leeds’ initial offer worth £15 million was knocked back by Salzburg.
In an attempt to convince the Austrian outfit, Leeds United are now preparing an improved offer for the American international. The 21-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League and wants to work with Marcelo Bielsa.
A native of New Jersey, Aaronson joined Salzburg at the start of 2021. In just over a year, the youngster has enjoyed a swift rise to prominence, featuring in over 50 competitive appearances for the club, scoring ten goals while providing 12 assists. His contributions in the final third have been critical in helping Salzburg replace Dominik Szoboszlai, who joined RB Leipzig last year.
Aaronson’s development in Austria has not gone unnoticed, with Leeds United keen on securing his services. The Whites are in the market for a new attacker in January after being rocked with a slew of injuries to their star players.
Leeds have lacked creativity in their final third with a majority of their players struggling for either form or forced to spend time on the sidelines. An attacking midfielder by trade, the 21-year-old is likely being considered as an alternative for Rodrigo Moreno and Tyler Roberts.
Aaronson certainly has what it takes to add to become an asset for Marcelo Bielsa. He can operate in behind the main striker, forming the creative trifecta alongside the likes of Raphinha and Daniel James, ultimately adding more bite to the club’s offensive unit. Their overall contributions could go a long way in helping the club avoid the relegation scrap during the second half of the campaign.
However, given Leeds United’s strained relationship with the Red Bull franchise in light of the row with Jean-Kevin Augustin, Red Bull Salzburg are unlikely to sanction Aaronson’s move to Elland Road this January. The Whites have no shortage of alternatives, though, having also been linked with a move for Jason Knight this month.