Leeds United appear as though they have hit a brick wall in their pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
The Whites have placed two separate bids without success so far for the USA international as the Austrian champions remain reluctant to lose him at the midway point of the season.
With just over 24 hours of the window left to go, it looks unlikely that Leeds will go in with a third offer, and with Aaronson currently away on international duty, the deal may have to wait until the summer.
So with that in mind, here is an update on Leeds’ pursuit of the 21-year-old.
Minamino alternative?
Since reports emerged that Leeds' chase of Aaronson had hit a dead end, links to Liverpool's Takumi Minamino came about.
Minamino could be allowed to leave Anfield before tomorrow's deadline after they completed the signing of Luis Diaz from FC Porto earlier this afternoon.
It appears, though, that Leeds' interest in the 27-year-old hinges on whether Crysencio Summerville is still at Elland Road come 11pm on Monday night.
That means it is unlikely the Whites see Minamino as an alternative for Aaronson, but rather someone who can cover the likes of Raphinha on the wing should Summerville move on.
Aaronson’s European desire
Brenden Aaronson is currently undertaking a career path that many of the USMNT’s best players have done in recent years.
The likes of Weston McKennie, Zack Steffen and Christian Pulisic all began their careers in America, before making the move across the Atlantic Ocean and into Europe at a very young age.
The afore mentioned trio are now all plying their trade at three of world football’s biggest clubs in Juventus, Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
Although Aaronson is already on the European football scene, after making the move to Salzburg from Philadelphia Union as a 19-year-old, the Premier League would represent another significant step up in his career from the Austrian Bundesliga.
When asked about a potential move to Leeds in a press conference earlier this week, Aaronson remained tight-lipped, however his later comments on Europe suggest he will be looking to take that next step in his career sooner rather than later.
He said: “I’m not going to talk about that. It’s a subject I don’t want to talk about right now. I’m away from it, I’m really not worried about it. I’m just worried about getting wins with America.
In addition, AS report Aaronson also stated : “That is the goal and there are many ways to achieve it. A lot of players are in Europe, and they have done a great job.
“I also think that the mentality of the young players is to perform well in MLS and then make the switch to Europe," he added.
"The level of the team is impressive, and we are close to becoming the best team in CONCACAF.”
Salzburg’s director reveals firm stance
It has been apparent throughout Leeds’ pursuit of Aaronson that Salzburg have very little interest in losing a key player at the midway point of the season.
While in the past Salzburg have not shown any hesitation in losing players during the January window, with Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund one example, this year is different.
Salzburg are set to take part in their first ever UEFA Champions League knockout tie, as a clash with Bayern Munich waits on the horizon, which is why they are reluctant to lose Aaronson.
In an interview with Salzburger Nachrichten, Christoph Freund, said: "It is not the plan to give up a regular player in this transfer period.”
Named in Salzburg squad
Despite intense speculation surrounding his future, Aaronson was named in the latest Salzburg squad for their clash with FC Flyeralarm Admira.
Aaronson was only handed a place on the bench, however given that it was a friendly as their preparations continue for the restart of the season, perhaps too much shouldn’t be read into that.
He was a 62 nd minute substitute as Salzburg were defeated 2-1.
Transfer clause
Leeds’ latest bid for Aaronson is believed to be in the region of around £20 million, which would place him among the most expensive sales Salzburg have ever received.
Patson Daka is currently their record sale, as he made a £27 million move to Leicester City in the summer.
With the Austrian side seemingly holding out for more than £20 million, the fee will almost certainly get in touching distance of Daka’s if Leeds continue their pursuit.
A major reason why Salzburg may be holding out for so much is because Aaronson's former club Philadelphia Union are reportedly owed up to 20% of any future transfer fee, if he is to be sold, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
