21-cap star who’s ‘good going forward’ could make Elland Road move

Leeds United target Ola Aina is a promising attacking full-back, according to Italian football journalist Conor Clancy.

Aina is currently plying his trade at Torino in Serie A, but he could be tempted by a return to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the latest news involving Aina?

The 25-year-old came through Chelsea’s academy, and he also spent a season on loan at Fulham in 2020/21.

He is now back at Torino, but has just one year remaining on his contract with the club, meaning that he could leave for free in 2023 if he sticks around for another 12 months.

Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness have claimed that Leeds have made an approach for the defender as Jesse Marsch looks to shore up his back line.

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What has Clancy said about Aina?

Clancy likes what Aina offers from an attacking perspective, but he has some doubts about his defensive capabilities.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Clancy said: “I don’t know about Aina defensively, but going forward I quite like him. In a back four, if he’s just a full-back, I think there’s probably better options. But if you want someone to play as a wing-back, he’s not bad, and he can play on both sides which is always a plus.”

Should Leeds be looking to sign Aina?

As Clancy alluded to, Aina can play on either flank, and his versatility could be a useful asset for Leeds to have at their disposal.

However, Clancy’s verdict on the 21-cap international’s defending may be a concern for Leeds’ supporters.

The Yorkshire outfit conceded 54 goals in their first season back in the Premier League in 2020/21, and their defensive record was even worse last term as they shipped a staggering 79 top-flight goals, which led to them becoming involved in a relegation battle.

The club already have some decent attacking options in their full-back positions in the shape of Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo, but their defending has been questionable.

Bringing in another player who has defensive issues could further unbalance the squad, and, with this in mind, Marsch may be better off steering clear of Aina for now and looking for another option instead.

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