Leeds United are in pursuit of FC Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson this month, but could miss out on the 21-year-old's signature despite reportedly lodging two bids.
The attacking midfielder is currently away on international duty with the USMNT (United States Men's National Team) and has been speaking to the media.
Questions over his future have surfaced, which the former Philadelphia Union man rebuffed, but he has offered an opinion on players such as himself and their career pathways in Europe.
“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," Aaronson initially said on Leeds' interest whilst away with his country.
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."
The Red Bull Salzburg man was referring to the switch many North American players make to further their careers in Europe, such as the transfer he made twelve months ago to join the Austrian champions.
“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.”
Currently, the US are on course to qualify for this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and feature this evening against El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio.
Presently, the US squad includes three England-based players: Manchester City's Zack Steffen, Fulham Antonee Robinson and Chelsea's Christian Pulisic.
The likelihood of Aaronson becoming a fourth before the end of the January transfer window appears slim. Red Bull Salzburg Sporting Director Christoph Freund stated earlier this window that the club would not be sanctioning exits for any 'regular' players this month.
However, a deal in the summer remains a more distinct possibility for Leeds
As for Aaronson's latest comments, he is one of 14 players in the current USMNT squad plying his trade in Europe and one of eight competing in continental European competition.
Clearly, the mentality among young US-based players is to seek moves across the Atlantic Ocean in order to maximise their career prospects domestically and internationally.
Aaronson, Pulisic, Weston McKennie and more recently 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi all charted similar paths to European clubs as the first step on their journey.
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