Daniel Farke is a ‘big fan’ of Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev.
That is according to Phil Hay, who was speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, where Leeds’ depth in midfield was a topic under discussion.
Gruev was brought in on the penultimate day of the transfer window last month, joining in a deal worth around £5 million from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen.
Leeds boss Farke is believed to have been the driving force behind the interest in the 23-year-old having managed in Germany’s top-flight with Borussia Monchengladbach last season.
Unlike Glen Kamara and Djed Spence, Gruev was unable to make his Leeds debut against Sheffield Wednesday last time out due to visa issues.
Farke a ‘big fan’ of Leeds signing Gruev
Gruev is, however, in contention to feature for the first time at Millwall with Hay stating that Farke is a ‘big fan’ of the Bulgarian international.
He said: “That would have to be the call. Farke is a big fan of Ilia Gruev and really, really wanted to bring him in. He does have a decision now to make about who has the favour predominantly in this group of four.
“It seems to me Ampadu could play from start to finish, he has looked really good. He seems to fall in that category of player who hasn’t proven himself in the Premier League yet but looks comfortably good enough, if not better than Championship level.”
Farke has a really big call to make in central midfield with Ethan Ampadu, Archie Gray, Kamara and Gruev all vying for two spots.
Gray and Ampadu have started all seven matches in all competitions together this season with Kamara and Gruev only having been signed in the final few hours of the window.
Kamara will bring a new dimension to Leeds in possession, while Gruev is more likely to provide an added defensive security to the midfield, making it an extremely tough decision for Farke.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
