Leeds announce superb Tottenham coup, but worst fears realised on second transfer

Leeds United have announced the arrival of Tottenham centre-back Joe Rodon on loan, though fears Bournemouth have hijacked their deal for Norwich full-back Max Aarons have been realised.

If Leeds are to secure a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, they’ll rapidly need to improve a defence that has been shambolic at times in recent seasons.

With two of their finest defenders both leaving on loan (Max Wober, Robin Koch), new additions became a must.

To that end, Leeds eyed up Tottenham centre-back Joe Rodon and an agreement over a season-long was struck. An option to buy has not been included once the loan spell concludes.

The west Yorkshire outfit have now confirmed the 25-year-old’s arrival via their official website. Rodon will link up with fellow Wales internationals Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James at Elland Road.

But while the addition of a Premier League centre-back is undoubtedly a major coup for Leeds, the news is far less positive regarding their pursuit of Max Aarons.

Indeed, the Whites were believed to be in advanced negotiations over the signing of the Norwich right-back.

The 23-year-old is well known to manager Daniel Farke through their time at Carrow Road. A deal worth £12m including future add-ons was understood to be nearing completion.

However, the situation spun on its head once Bournemouth thundered in with a bid of their own. Aarons quickly chose the Premier League club and travelled to the south coast to undergo a medical and finalise the move.

Now, Bournemouth have confirmed their hijacking of Leeds’ deal via their official website.

Aarons has signed with the Cherries outright and has penned a ‘long-term deal’.

According to the Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, Bournemouth have paid a slightly lower fee (£10.5m) than what Leeds put forward (£12m).

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