Sources: Brenden Aaronson granted permission to complete Leeds United transfer amid Raphinha exit update
Leeds United have agreed personal terms with Brenden Aaronson after having a £25million bid accepted by RB Salzburg, Football Insider understands.
The Yorkshire giants are putting the finishing touches to the capture of the USA international, 21, following Sunday’s dramatic relegation escape.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Leeds have reached an agreement for Aaronson to become their first summer signing.
Salzburg have given him permission to undergo a medical with United and finalise terms.
This site revealed last month (1 April) that Aaronson was Leeds’ number one priority going into the summer and talks were well advanced over a deal if they stayed up.
Sunday’s survival has cleared the way for United to complete the capture of Aaronson after coming so close to landing him in the January window.
Significantly, Aaronson has no release clause in his contract with Salzburg, which has made negotiations easier.
His arrival will add attacking quality to Jesse Marsch’s squad but there will be high-profile departures as they restructure the squad.
Raphinha is expected to depart Elland Road amid strong interest from Barcelona, who remain keen despite Leeds staying up.
Aaronson has continued to perform well for Salzburg since Leeds began negotiating a deal in January.
The USA international impressed in his side’s Champions League last-16 double header against Bayern Munich in March, supplying assists in each tie – the first was drawn 1-1 and the second resulted in a 7-1 thrashing.
An attacking midfielder who plays behind the centre-forward for his club, Aaronson has scored six goals and provided 10 assists from 41 matches in all competitions this season.
He has played 65 times in total for Salzburg, which have yielded 13 goals and 15 assists in the last two seasons.
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