Torino will sell Ola Aina this summer with Calciomercato suggesting that Premier League trio Leeds United, West Ham or Crystal Palace could sign the Nigeria international on the cheap.
If things had worked out differently, the former Fulham, Chelsea and Hull City man would probably be back in England already.
London rivals West Ham and Crystal Palace showed an interest in January. A Leeds side still under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa came closer than anyone else, however, only missing out on Aina after his replacement at Torino, Mohamed Fares, was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a badly timed cruciate ligament injury.
As far as Aina is concerned, however, his departure was merely postponed. Placed on the backburner until Fares is fit to return. Come the summer, the 25-year-old right-back will be back on the shelf, perhaps with a ‘half-price’ sticker on his forehead.
Is Ola Aina returning to the Premier League?
Torino president Urbano Cairo reportedly wanted to recoup the £9 million he paid for Aina in January.
According to Calciomercato, however, the defender’s transfer value ‘is falling more and more’ heading into the summer. This means Leeds, West Ham or Palace – assuming they are still keen – can snap up Aina for a reduced fee.
Aina hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since the winter window closed. He was even left out of the squad entirely during Torino’s creditable 1-1 draw with reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan recently. That is despite Fares’ ongoing absence.
Aina is one of a number of right-sided defenders to be linked with a move to West Ham recently, amid doubts over Ryan Fredericks’ future. Vladimir Coufal is also unavailable at present.
Leeds, meanwhile, have been tipped to bring in Barcelona’s academy graduate Oscar Minqueza as part of the deal that could see Raphinha swap West Yorkshire for Catalonia.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have introduced 30-year-old Nathaniel Clyne back into the fold with Nathan Ferguson still out of action.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
