Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit backs Leeds United to seal Southampton FC transfer agreement - Saints exit is "inevitable" | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, Lee Hendrie has been discussing Leeds United's reported interest in Southampton star Mateus Fernandes.

Leeds United are reportedly pushing to sign Southampton star Mateus Fernandes, as they look to kickstart their summer of spending as a Premier League club once again.

Football Insider revealed on 23 May that Leeds, West Ham United and Aston Villa are all eyeing moves for the 20-year-old Saints midfielder.

The Portuguese youth international recently received Southampton's Fans' Player of the Season award, after a highly impressive debut campaign at St Mary's despite the club's relegation back to the Championship.

It's reported that Southampton value the versatile attack-minded midfielder at around £25m, as Saints appear to be facing a very tough task retaining the services of the former Sporting CP star this summer.

"Very, very good player" - Lee Hendrie makes Leeds United, Mateus Fernandes transfer claim

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, Lee Hendrie: 'Leeds United are pushing to sign Southampton star Mateus Fernandes. Thoughts? Think it's inevitable he leaves Saints? Would Leeds be a good next club for him?'

Hendrie said: "Yes, I think he will leave the football club.

"He's another very good player that I think would fit the bill for Leeds for how they play. He's got a little bit of everything.

"I think he would be a really, really good signing for the football club, I really do. I watch the signings that they brought in over past seasons: flamboyant, skill - he's got that in abundance.

"I think it's inevitable he leaves the football club. I think it would be a really good fit for Leeds, and for him. Obviously, Premier League, and an exciting team that he could end up playing in where you might get a bit more out of him.

"Very, very good player, and it would be a good signing for Leeds."

Mateus Fernandes signing could spell danger for Brenden Aaronson's Leeds United role

Capable of operating pretty much everywhere across the midfield, Fernandes is most commonly deployed as an attacking midfielder.

It's in that role that he's been putting in some really eye-catching performances for Southampton this season, despite the overall struggles of the team in the Premier League.

As such, should he make the switch to Elland Road this summer, that could spell trouble for American international, Brenden Aaronson.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a solid 24/25 season back in Leeds United colours this year, having spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Bundesliga side Union Berlin.

The attacking midfielder bagged nine goals and two assists from 46 Championship appearances this past season, a good return, but perhaps not one that would totally shield his starting place from Fernandes.

Southampton's youngster has proven himself to be a quality performer in the Premier League this term, and whilst Aaronson also has a top flight campaign under his belt with Leeds in 2022/23, his one goal and three assists that year laid the foundations for his loan move away from the club.

As such, the American is yet to prove himself among English football's best, and with Fernandes also being just 20, what he showed this season coupled with his obvious potential, suggests he may well have a considerably higher ceiling that Leeds' number 11.

Therefore, Aaronson may well be looking over his shoulder should the Portuguese prospect make his way to Elland Road this summer.