Journalist: Leeds ready to make ‘sneaky’ bid for Champions League star, willing to pay £22m

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Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed on his YouTube channel that Leeds are preparing a “sneaky” second bid for Brenden Aaronson. Taylor reports a fee could rise from £15million, to as much as £22million.

Aaronson, 21, has sparkled in the 12 months he has spent at RB Leipzig since his move from MLS side Philadelphia Union. The midfielder has had a hand in 22 goals during 51 goals for Salzburg, scoring 10 and creating 12.

The Athletic reported this week that Leeds had seen a £15million offer rejected for the USA international. CBS Sports say that Salzburg are keen to keep him until after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, as his value could increase.

But Leeds want him now and after the initial offer, Taylor claims that Leeds are expected to make a second bid this week. Indeed, he says the Whites could be willing to go as high as £22million to land the highly-rated ace.

“I reached out to a source in Austria, and they have told me the club are not considering selling their senior players – just weeks from their Champions League tie against Bayern,” Taylor told the Express YouTube channel.

“From what I understand, they will probably try again with a sneaky bid. There’s been talk they could raise the money to £22million. Every player has a price, and Salzburg’s model is bringing in huge profits.”

Aaronson to Leeds: Could Whites get their man this month?

The issue for Leeds is that Aaronson will hardly want to leave Salzburg right now. He is in a side that are about to embark on their first ever Champions League knockout tie, against Bayern Munich.

Also, they remain on course to win another Austrian title. So, Aaronson will surely be looking at the summer in regards to a move – but it is believed that he is open to joining Leeds, and knows it is a good step in his career.

Salzburg state they do not want to sell – but given their model, which is a selling club, developing players and bringing in big fees, Aaronson could go. Leeds might have to pay slightly over the odds to get him.