With less than a week to go in the transfer window, it appears Leeds United are still trying to secure a move for Brenden Aaronson...

What's the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Yorkshire outfit remain locked in talks with Austrian champions RB Salzburg over a potential deal, despite having an initial £15m bid knocked back last week.

"Leeds United remain in talks to sign RB Salzburg's Brenden Aaronson, the player is keen on the move," he revealed on Monday night's edition of 'The Transfer Show' [17:30].

It's thought that the club have since submitted a revised offer of £20m but Salzburg have not confirmed that approach and they are expected to play hardball given their involvement in the Champions League, as per The Athletic.

Bielsa's top target

Aaronson has quickly emerged as one of manager Marcelo Bielsa's top targets, so whilst Leeds have been left frustrated in their attempts to sign the 21-year-old, it is certainly encouraging news to see Victor Orta and co trying their best to secure him.

Typically, the Premier League side have never really spent during the winter, especially on a key area such as midfield, where there has not been a signing for four years - when Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in 2018.

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Bielsa is without an influential figure in Kalvin Phillips and with his engine room already light on options, that has increased the need for some sort of reinforcements this month.

The England international isn't expected to be back until March at the earliest and only then will he be able to get back up to speed with the Argentine's intense training regime and high-pressing tactical system, so more time may be needed.

Aaronson is undoubtedly an exciting young talent, so United must not give up in their pursuit over the coming six days.

The 15-cap American, who is currently on international duty, has largely operated as a 'half-winger' in Matthias Jaissle's system, where his work rate in the final third has been particularly impressive as he's amongst the top 1% of midfielders for pressures and forcing the opposition into giving up possession, per FBRef.

Nicknamed the 'Medford Messi' and compared to legendary compatriot Clint Dempsey, the young dynamo has delivered three goals and seven assists from an attacking midfield role this campaign.

All in all, Bielsa must surely be delighted that this deal isn't dead and buried just yet. He desperately needs a new midfielder and Aaronson certainly fits the ideal profile at Elland Road.

AND in other news, Leeds eye last-gasp swoop for £25m "phenomenon", he could be Bielsa's next Raphinha...