German newspaper Bild claim Werder Bremen and Bulgaria star Ilia Gruev will make a decision on a possible move to Leeds United before Friday’s deadline, on Thursday. A £3.4m deal is on the table.
The 23-year-old has been sensational for Bremen over the last couple of seasons – breaking into the first team and helping them gain promotion back to the top tier. He remained first choice last season.
But this season, Gruev has failed to start the opening two matches. An unused sub against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich and a late sub last time out in a 1-0 defeat to SC Freiburg, he is no longer first choice.
Leeds have made a move. Phil Hay says Leeds have made an approach to land the Bulgaria player. BILD also report a move to Leeds is close – but it is awaiting Gruev’s decision, which will come on Thursday.
Released by Werder on Wednesday to undergo talks with Leeds, Gruev is certainly showing signs that he is keen on joining us – with Werder also ready to offload in order to bring in a fee of £3.4m for him.
Ilia Gruev will make a decision on a move to Leeds on Thursday
Gruev will be a very solid signing. A player to compete with Ethan Ampadu, but also more than capable of partnering the Wales star – and playing as a no.6. But, is he any better than Glen Kamara? No way.
Kamara is said to be very keen on a move to Elland Road and personal terms are not the issue. Dean Jones reports that it is down to Leeds for the delay, considering other options. Options such as Gruev.
If it was down to LeedsUnited.News to choose between both players, Kamara would be our pick – even if he is four years older than Gruev. Ole Werner labelled Gruev as “very good” after he played in defence.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
