Leeds United transfer news as they push to sign Ola Aina for months
Leeds United have been “pressing for months” to bring Torino defender Ola Aina to Elland Road, according to Torino Granata.
The versatile defender is a product of the Chelsea youth academy, with Aina going on to make a handful of appearances for the senior side before being sold to Torino.
He returned to the Premier League in the 2020/21 season in a loan spell at Fulham, with fellow Premier League club Leeds now keen to bring the 26-year-old back to England on a permanent basis.
“Leeds have been pressing for months and already in January they seemed to want to bet decisively,” the report from Torino Granata read.
Aina has made 17 appearances in all competitions for Serie A side Torino this season, playing at both right and left midfield for the Italian club.
Having represented England at youth level, the former Chelsea man is now a fully-fledged Nigeria international with 17 appearances for the African nation.
Chasing Aina
As Leeds have proven in recent transfer windows, the Yorkshire outfit are not afraid to spend big money on new faces, and they could be forced to do the same on wages this time to bring Aina to Elland Road.
Another factor that is noticeable at the Premier League club is the versatility of the players, who have often been tasked with demanding roles, with many players even playing out of position.
Aina is no stranger to versatility, with the 26-year-old comfortable in a normal full-back role or as a wing-back, as well as on either side of midfield.
Unfortunately for Leeds, there looks set to be a battle for his signature this summer as his contract rapidly approaches its expiry date, meaning he would be available on a free transfer.
Also in need of reinforcements, West Ham are reportedly one of the clubs involved in the battle. Both the Hammers and Leeds will more than likely have to sell in order to create space for Aina.
In other Leeds United news, a summer exit cannot be ruled out for one player at amid his initial struggles at Elland Road.