Club confirm 23-year-old is missing training as Leeds edge closer to another new signing, after Spence

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Werder Bremen have confirmed Leeds United Ilia Gruev is not in training today as he in talks with an unnamed club.

The Bundesliga outfit wrote on their official website that alongside Oliver Burke, Gruev is holding ‘contract talks with another club’ and so is ‘exempt from training’.

Gruev has been linked with a move to Leeds this morning with ITV journalist Chris Dawkes reporting the Whites ‘are in’ for the Bulgarian international.

Leeds remain in the market for at least two new midfielders before Friday’s deadline with a number eight and number 10 both on the agenda.

That said, Gruev is more of a number four and so could either provide cover for Ethan Ampadu, or even slot in alongside him.

Gruev misses Bremen training amid Leeds interest

Gruev is the latest of a long list of midfielders linked with a move to Leeds, but based on this latest update, out of no where, it feels like he is the furthest along.

Glen Kamara, Matt O’Riley and Ao Tanaka are all also reported targets for the Whites as Daniel Farke looks to bolster his options in the centre of the park.

The signing of someone like Gruev could make sense, with the front four Leeds named on Saturday incredibly attacking and not of much help from a defensive standpoint.

Additionally, Farke likes his right-back to play extremely high up the pitch, which new signing Djed Spence will no doubt thrive upon, and so a defensive-minded midfielder like Gruev could help cover those spaces.

It is certainly one to keep an eye on in the coming hours.