Max Aarons medical update emerges as Leeds United move hijacked by Bournemouth, Norwich City accept – Fabrizio Romano
Max Aarons is “already on his way” to Bournemouth for a medical after they “hijacked” his move to Leeds United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer specialist journalist reported via Twitter on Wednesday evening (9 August) that the move was a “here we go” to the Premier League club after a “last minute £7m plus add-ons bid” was accepted by Norwich City.
According to the Italian the Cherries abandoned their pursuit of Joakim Maehle to crash the Whites’ move for Aarons, 23, having reported earlier on Wednesday that a deal to bring him to Elland Road was heading into the “final stages”.
A deal worth up to £12m for the England under-21 international had been on the cards [Athletic, 9 August] for Leeds United with Daniel Farke contending with an injury crisis and a weak back line as the Championship season got under way on Sunday (6 August).
Iraola frustration yet again
The Whites missed out with a late run at Andoni Iraola before appointing Farke, having already failed to replace Jesse Marsch with the Spaniard back in February, only for him to head to the south coast after they dramatically sacked Gary O’Neil.
So for the former Rayo Vallecano boss to come back to bite them on a transfer that they appeared to have in the bag earlier in the day will be doubly-frustrating.
Leeds can potentially claim to have got one back with the signing of Karl Darlow from Newcastle when the keeper looked headed to the Cherries, but the Aarons news is a definite disappointment.
Cody Drameh might be about the only person connected to the club celebrating as it looked like the door was about to be slammed in his face at right-back once more.
But if Leeds United were willing to shell out up to £12m when they don’t appear to have a huge budget this summer it is clear Farke wanted his former Carrow Road man back in his squad.
With the German likely to see Tyler Adams snatched from his options without ever playing a game for him with Chelsea pushing for a move, after Max Wober defected just before the season started, this will be the latest frustration for him to deal with.
He has been making all the right noises about dealing with a difficult situation of late, but with a “staggering” injury crisis up front and both goal-scorers from the 2-2 draw with Cardiff, Liam Cooper and Crysencio Summerville, now also ruled out, he must be cursing his luck right now.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are at the front of the queue against some league champions to snap up a bargain striker.