According to The Athletic, Bournemouth are set to hijack Leeds’ move for Max Aarons.
It was reported earlier today that The Whites were in advanced talks with Norwich City, to the point where both clubs had agreed on a figure around £12million for the fullback.
Leeds had to act quickly to bring in defensive reinforcements after injuries to Junior Firpo and Liam Cooper earlier this week.
The club announced that Cooper would be out for up to two months with a foot injury, Junior Firpo is also said to be out for up to four weeks. Leeds acted fast to sound out Aarons, who played under Daniel Farke at Norwich City.
Now, Premier League club Bournemouth have joined the race and are seemingly in the driving seat to sign the 23-year old.
Wow – Leeds United had a deal in place for Max Aarons and the move was at the medical stage. But Bournemouth have stepped in at the last minute today and it now looks like he'll be headed there instead.
Story in @TheAthleticFC blog here:https://t.co/yqrLBSZkhB
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 9, 2023
According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, the move for Aarons had almost been completed pending a medical, but Bournemouth stepped in at the last hour and it is very likely the English defender heads to the Premier League.
Bournemouth have reportedly swung the deal in their favour, offering less than the £12million reported earlier today. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Cherries will pay £7million with add ons.
Max Aarons to Bournemouth, here we go! Leeds deal has been hijacked with last minute £7m plus add-ons bid, now accepted by Norwich 🚨🔴🍒 #AFCB
Bournemouth left Maehle deal to focus on Aarons hijack, now completed.
English fullback already on his way to medical tests. pic.twitter.com/tbeBf7y4r4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2023
It is said that the prospect of returning to top flight English football was enough to sway Aarons, who won the UEFA European U21 Championship with England this summer.
This move means Leeds have to find another defensive target after the initial plan was to bring in Aarons and Joe Rod on to Elland Road.
