Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Brennan Johnson to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds have now joined Brentford and Newcastle United in the race for the signing of the Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder, who is yet to agree a new deal at The City Ground - with his current contract set to expire next summer.

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The report goes on to state that, while Victor Orta is plotting a £20m offer for the 20-year-old, this move is on the basis that the Whites remain a Premier League side next season, as well as Forest failing to secure promotion to the top flight.

He's better than Aaronson

Considering the fact that Leeds have also been linked with a move for Red Bull Salzburg's Brenden Aaronson this summer, it is clear that Orta and Jesse Marsch are targeting the signing of a new attacking midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

And, while it is undeniable that the USA international is a fantastic young talent - having scored four goals, provided four assists and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.90 over his 22 Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season - there is an argument to be made that Johnson could well be the smarter choice for Leeds.

Firstly, the 20-year-old has experience in the English game, proving himself to be one of the most exciting young prospects the Championship currently has to offer.

Indeed, over his 43 second-tier outings this season, the £900k-rated talent has been one of Steve Cooper's standout performers, scoring 15 goals, registering ten assists and creating 14 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £2.5k-per-week sensation who Sabri Lamouchi dubbed an "unbelievable" player average an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as the Reds' fourth-best outfielder in the league - playing a key role in his side's late push for an automatic promotion spot.

Secondly, with Salzburg having already rejected a £20m bid for Aaronson in January, as well as the likes of AC Milan and RB Leipzig reportedly interested in the 21-year-old, it would appear likely that the Austrian side will demand a great deal more than Johnson's own £20m price tag this summer.

As such, while Aaronson would certainly be a fantastic coup for Orta and the Whites, the signing of Johnson may well prove a better deal for Leeds to pursue - as the Wales international would not only be a cheaper option for the Spanish sporting director, considering their respective returns this season, he could also a have a brighter future than the Salzburg starlet.

AND in other news: Deal close: Agreement now in place for £63m talent, Leeds supporters will be gutted