Leeds emerge as shock contenders for Aguero with key factor tempting

The race to sign Sergio Aguero this summer has heated up with the entry of Leeds United as another suitor, according to a report.

Aguero is out of contract with Manchester City at the end of the season. The club have already confirmed they will not be renewing their all-time record scorer’s deal. Hence, his decade of service will come to an end, leaving him on the lookout for a new club.

The 32-year-old is keen to prove he can still succeed in the Premier League despite failing to score from open play in this season’s competition. He could also consider a move to another major European league.

There are plenty of suitors vying to keep him in England. A recent report claimed that he could consider a move to Tottenham or Chelsea.

Aguero does not see Champions League football as an absolute necessity when choosing his next club. Therefore, there could be a chance for some of the outside contenders to snap him up.

But a move to Leeds would definitely be a surprise – and yet it is a possibility, according to 90min.

The website claims that Leeds have joined the race to sign Aguero as a free agent. They have been underwhelmed by club-record signing Rodrigo since his summer move and could move him out – despite the forward denying claims he could leave.

Patrick Bamford has done considerably better up front and is expected to stay at Elland Road. In fact, Leeds are trying to tie him down to a new contract.

But they need additional competition up front, and signing Aguero would be a huge statement of intent.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is naturally a fan of his compatriot and would welcome him to West Yorkshire. Such a move would also mean that Aguero would not have to move house, whereas joining one of his London suitors or a foreign team would.

The report also mentions Arsenal and West Ham as contenders, while Aguero is aware of interest from La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1. He also has admirers outside of Europe, in the MLS and Middle East.

Hence, Leeds will have to beat off big competition for Aguero’s signature if they really want him. But if they could complete a deal, it would be a high-profile move.

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Barcelona battling for Aguero

One of the biggest rivals to Leeds for Aguero could be Barcelona, who want him to help form a new-look attack at Camp Nou.

Seemingly priced out of the race for Erling Haaland, Barca are turning their attention to cheaper alternatives. Available on a free transfer, Aguero would be within budget as long as they can afford his wages.

The Argentina international has experience playing in La Liga from his time with Atletico Madrid. He spent five years there, enhancing his reputation before earning his move to City.

Barca could now try to lure him back to the Spanish top flight and pair him with compatriot Lionel Messi, if they can convince the latter to extend his own contract.

READ MORE: Coy Arteta gives teasing response over Arsenal transfer links to Aguero