Leeds United have been linked with the young Finish defender.
According to Helsingin Sanomat, Leeds United maintain an interest in HJK Helsinki defender Aapo Halme, so could the Whites be planning a long-term defensive partnership involving the teenager and the Whites’ latest breakthrough star?
Conor Shaughnessy was slowly and steadily making progress with Leeds’ under-23s before Thomas Christiansen took charge. Now the 21-year-old is a regular in the Whites; starting line-up and recently put pen to paper on a new deal that runs until 2021.
In short, Shaughnessy is highly regarded at Elland Road and looks set to excel in his new position of centre-back for years to come. So what chance a partnership with Halme if the latter ultimately arrives at the club?
After all, with Matthew Pennington only on loan and Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper both 26, Leeds will want to ensure they have the players to take over when the latter pair either move on or hang up their boots.
The second scenario is a long way off, but the most ambitious football clubs are always looking ahead and at 19, Halme would represent a savvy long-term investment.
The Leeds target already has 36 first-team appearances under his belt for Helsinki and many more are expected to follow, yet he could be the sensible long-term partner to Shaughnessy, ensuring a smooth transition when their current impressive centre-back options need replacing.
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