‘Always great teaming up’… New Leeds United target loved playing alongside Brenden Aaronson

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Leeds United are considering Genk defender Mark McKenzie, a player that once shared a dressing room with Brenden Aaronson – previously saying how much he enjoyed playing with the midfielder.

The Whites are expected to be in the market for a defender over the next fortnight, and possibly even more than that – with Luke Ayling and Djed Spence already exiting, when the club already needed depth.

Charlie Cresswell could also be on his way out as he struggles for game time and that would increase the need for an addition in the middle of defence. Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk are currently injured.

That is where links to USA and Genk defender McKenzie have emerged. The £4.75m signing from MLS side Philadelphia Union has often been linked with a move to these shores – and Leeds are now keen.

Leeds, Brighton, West Ham United, Everton and a Bundesliga club are all interested in the 24-year-old, but Genk could command a fee in excess of £8.5m. Quite a tall price for a player in and out of form.

He came through Union alongside Aaronson, the duo making a name for themselves with the American outfit – before moving to Europe. Back in 2020, he said he enjoyed playing with the Leeds-owned man.

“It’s always great teaming up with B,” McKenzie told Philadelphia Union’s website about Leeds player Aaronson, almost four years ago in 2020. “We’ve had a really good year together and we came up.

“I’m just really excited to see where he goes on this next journey for him. I’m happy for him and I’m looking forward to sharing the field with him one more time, and he takes his next step to Europe.”

Leeds target Mark McKenzie on old teammate Brenden Aaronson

The chances of Leeds making a move for the Genk defender this window seems unlikely. As things stand, Leeds have four options in the middle of the park. If Cresswell goes, a loan signing is expected.

But, if Genk are willing to part ways with McKenzie and that could be the case, it is then up to Leeds to determine whether it is worth spending £8.5m on a defender that probably won’t even start for the club.