In recent comments, Morgan Sanson revealed that he rejected the chance to join Leeds United, before eventually making a move to the Whites' Premier League rivals, Aston Villa, in January.

So far in his Aston Villa career, Sanson has made just four appearances for Dean Smith's side, all of which have come from the bench, although, Dean Smith recently suggested that he has been pleased with the development of the midfielder since his £14.22 million move from Olympique Marseille.

However, speaking recently to Canal+, as cited by Leeds Live, the £18 million-rated 26-year-old revealed that, prior to his move to Villa Park, Marcelo Bielsa's side had shown considerable interest in his signing.

He said: "Since I was little I have always had a special affection for this championship [the Premier League]. Aston Villa are a big club in England, but it could have been another club the summer before, there was Leeds who were very interested, but I felt that was not the time."

Transfer Tavern Take

Considering the fact that Bielsa has often been left short of options in the middle of the park this season, with Adam Forshaw, Jamie Shackleton, Pablo Hernandez and Kalvin Phillips all spending spells on the sidelines due to injury, the signing of  Sanson last summer certainly would have helped to alleviate the strain on the 65-year-old's midfield this year.

And, although the 26-year-old is yet to have a major impact within Dean Smith's side, considering that Villa managed to sign the Frenchman for substantially less than his market valuation at the time of his move, perhaps it could be argued that Leeds missed a bit of a trick in not pursuing Sanson once again in the January window.

In other news, Phil Hay shed light on this Leeds star's contract details - find out more here!