AllNigeriaSoccer claim Crystal Palace, West Ham and Lille have joined the race to sign Torino left-back Ola Aina – who remains a player of interest to Leeds United. The Nigeria star is out of contract in the summer of 2023.
Aina, 25, initially joined Torino on loan in the summer of 2018 from Chelsea before a deal was made permanent. He has spent four years at the club, but last season, he went on loan to Fulham in their fight against the drop.
However, his long-term future at Torino looks in doubt. The Serie A side are yet to offer him a renewal and TMW said in January that the ex-Chelsea man had emerged as an option for Leeds. Torino want £9million (CM).
Now, it appears Leeds will not be alone in their pursuit of the London-born flyer. Indeed, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Lille are all interested in Aina – along with Leeds. ANS say Torino are now willing to listen to offers.
Aina a bargain at £9m: Leeds, West Ham or Palace for Torino man?
Leeds have options on the left side of their defence in the form of Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas. But the latter is often deployed elsewhere, and Firpo has been injury-plagued this season. Aina is very versatile.
Indeed, he is a Marcelo Bielsa-type player in that he can play in numerous roles. Left-back, left wing, right-back, right-wing. West Ham lack strength in depth and with another European campaign next term, they need cover.
Palace also have options on the left but of the three clubs, Vieira’s men are likely to be the best option for Aina – if he is to break into a starting line-up.
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