Leeds United look set to miss out on signing Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.

The Whites were credited with a ‘serious interest’ in the USA international last week by journalist Tom Bogert, with Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta thought to be after both a defensive and attacking midfielder in the New Year.

Aaronson is an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing and has made 52 appearances for Salzburg – 26 of which have come during the current campaign. [Transfermarkt]

However, it doesn’t appear as if the Whites will be able to sign him in January, even despite the American link - the San Francisco 49ers recently increased their stake at Elland Road to 37%.

The Latest: McGrath’s claim

Reliable reporter McGrath shared his transfer notebook on Tuesday, with an update on Aaronson included.

He suggested that Leeds ‘are set to miss out’ on the 21-year-old after Salzburg’s qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League, the first blow in the upcoming winter window as the Whites search for midfield reinforcements.

The Verdict: All eyes on Swift?

John Swift is another winter window target for Leeds, so they may well place more eggs in the Reading man’s basket following the latest update on Aaronson.

The Englishman has been on fire for The Royals in the second tier this season, contributing to 17 goals in 21 games, scoring eight and providing nine assists.

He’s also out of contract at the end of the season, so you’d expect a January transfer would be in Leeds’ price range, with Reading possibly cautious they could lose their star man for nothing in the summer.

On the other hand, Reading will know that midfielders are needed at Elland Road, so Leeds may even have to bite the bullet and pay slightly over the odds for Swift despite his contract situation.

In other news: Leeds 'set' to sign attacker in January who has the same agent as Forshaw – journalist.