While it might not seem like Leeds United are actively pursuing a replacement for Brenden Aaronson at this stage of the window, a new no.10 remains a priority for Adam Underwood.
Focus has been on sorting out the Leeds defence, and with £30m spent, Leeds have done so by bringing in Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornau, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. Lukas Nmecha has been added up front.
Priority seems to have switched to a new goalkeeper and bolstering the inexperienced midfield. Leeds’ three midfield options only have 26 Premier League appearances between them, through Ethan Ampadu.
LeedsUnited.News understands Leeds will return with a fourth bid for Sean Longstaff, but after a third bid was rejected, it is unclear if Leeds will get their man. Signing a no.10, at the moment, seems a way off.
Neil El Aynaoui scores for Lens last season.
Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds learn mammoth asking price for Ligue 1 playmaker
But Leeds are in the market for a 10. Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are likely to sign Emi Buendia or Gustavo Hamer as replacements for Brenden Aaronson in attacking midfield.
Leeds could sign Buendia on a loan deal, but Underwood is also considering a move for Lens playmaker Neil El Ayanoui. The attacking midfielder netted an impressive eight goals in 24 Ligue 1 games last term.
Roma are also interested in the France-born Morocco star. But, Fabrizio Romano reported this week that Roma have seen a bid rejected and Lens are working hard to keep El Aynaoui with the French side.
Now, Sky Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio delivers an update. He states that Roma remain in the hunt for El Aynaoui but interested parties will need to spend £27m to get him, a huge price for the Lens player.
Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson during a game against Bristol City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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Brenden Aaronson boost as Leeds unlikely to spend so much
What has been clear about Leeds’ window so far is that Underwood is very keen on not overspending. Remaining in budget, and signing players that are value for money, rather than meeting club’s price tags.
It saw Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki join Sunderland, with The Black Cats meeting Strasbourg and USG’s asking price. Leeds saw bids rejected for both Diarra and Sadiki, and chose to move on from the duo.
Sadiki has even confirmed Leeds made a bid, thought to be around £11m. He joined Sunderland for a fee of £17.5m. The chances of Leeds spending the same amount they did on Rodrigo in 2020, seems unlikely.
It sees Aaronson fight another day in the hope that he remains the club’s best option in the 10 role. As we approach the middle of July, the USA star is still Leeds’ best no.10, but Leeds certainly need better.