Leeds United have shown interest in signing Torino’s Ola Aina in the winter market.
On January 14th, Tuttosport reported ‘developments are expected on a possible sale’ of the wing-back to the Whites as the Serie A side were close to confirming a deal for Mohamed Farès.
Later that day, the Italian club announced Farès had joined the club from Lazio on a loan deal with an option to buy.
However, Torino confirmed on Tuesday the Algeria international suffered an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament and will go under the knife. He is set to be out of action for rest of the season.
We suggested Farès’ serious setback could see Torino block Aina’s move to Elland Road in the ongoing window and this is now backed up by Toro.it.
Farès’ arrival should have seen Torino let the former Chelsea man join Leeds, but the Algerian’s latest injury has changed the situation at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino.
The 25-year-old, who is currently with Nigeria at the 2021 AFCON, was ‘courted by Leeds’. and was tempted to make a switch to England in January. However, there is a twist in this case as the website states that ‘without Farès, sales blocked’.
The Lazio owned player’s arrival allowed Torino to listen to Aina’s suitors. However, Farès’ injury blow ‘changes the prospects immediately’ and could block the Nigerian from leaving the club this month.
For Torino to let Aina change clubs, they need to bring in a replacement. Without that, he is expected to finish the season with his current employer.
