Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has been giving his thoughts on Leeds United’s pursuit of RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Where we stand

At this moment in time, it seems like Aaronson or nothing for the Whites heading into the final days of the January window.

Any interest in Ronaldo Vieira is now off after Sampdoria decided they would like to keep the former Whites man, and Victor Orta is running out of time to find alternative options for Marcelo Bielsa.

Orta has made the American a key target though, with Leeds having an initial £15m offer turned down. They’ve since returned with a £20m bid, btu Salzburg are yet to accept despite Leeds remaining hopeful of agreeing on a deal.

The Latest: Phillips reacts

Phillips, who regularly contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the pursuit of Aaronson.

He admitted he would be ‘very surprised’ if a transfer went through, labelling it as ‘crazy’ - he feels the club should be after a striker instead.

“I would say that’s crazy.

“Another attacking midfielder? When they haven’t got a second senior striker it makes no sense to me.

“I don’t think an attacking midfielder should be the priority right now. I think a striker and then a holding midfielder is what is needed. Most people would agree that’s a better option.

“Unless Aaronson can play in a false nine role, the money would be better spent in other areas.

“It stood out in the game against Newcastle that Leeds need another striker. That game highlighted it. I would be very surprised if that move goes through.”

The Verdict: Both needed

Phillips’ comments on ‘another attacking midfielder’ are rather strange when you take into consideration Leeds currently don’t have an out and out attacking midfielder on the books at Elland Road.

However, Leeds have struggled without Patrick Bamford's focal point in attack, so a new forward is probably actually needed as well as Aaronson, not instead of.

It doesn’t seem likely though that they would suddenly splash the cash on two big signings, given the lack of concrete links to forward targets, so the capture of Aaronson alone may be the best case scenario for Leeds fans in the coming days.

In other news: Orta now eyeing record Leeds signing for Bielsa in 12-goal international - report.