Daniel Farke confirms that £7m Leeds United player is in his plans and not up for sale

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Daniel Farke gave a further update regarding his Leeds United squad and transfers earlier today.

Farke was previewing Leeds’ Carabao Cup first round tie against Middlesbrough at Elland Road tomorrow, as the Whites look for their first win of the season.

With just over two weeks of the window remaining, Farke was unsurprisingly asked about transfers, again reiterating the need to be patient.

Farke did provide an interesting line regarding Leeds’ preference for permanent transfers over loans, a subtle hint as to why Sheffield United pipped them in the race for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

One thing Farke was not asked about was the possibility of anymore departures, though he did strongly suggest one exit-linked player is apart of his plans this season.

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Farke shares Patrick Bamford plan for season ahead

Despite the sales of key players such as Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara, there is still the possibility of others leaving between now and the end of August.

Wilfried Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford are just some of the many names who have been linked with moves.

From the perspective of Bamford, it actually feels more like Leeds have been actively saying behind-the-scenes they would be open to his exit, as opposed to clubs registering an interest.

Despite claims from the Daily Mail as early as May that Bamford could leave, Farke told his pre-Middlesbrough press conference today he is very much part of his ‘plans’.

He said: “We have a few players like Patrick who missed 11 weeks of team training if you count the summer break. He’s not right now in his prime, came from long-term rehab, you need a bit of time for rhythm.

“The more he trains with us, the more he edges closer. Same as Aaronson and Wober who arrived later in pre-season. Not whole squad ready to go for 90 minutes, but 45-60 minutes, yes. Patrick is a top option and of course in my plans.

“Joseph showed good work-rate, missed a good chance but that’s the fate of a striker. I was overall pleased with his performance and work-rate. He’s made big, big steps forward in pre-season.

“He can play a key role this season. Piroe plays 46 games, he normally scores double figures – we have proper options. If in the end Harry Kane is available, I wouldn’t say no. At the moment I’m happy with my strikers.”

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Bamford needs to settle for reduced Leeds role

With last season again ending with £7 million Bamford on the treatment table, his departure does feel like it would suit all parties this summer.

However, Bamford is ultimately on big wages and his lack of football in recent years is only going to put off potential suitors, rather than encourage them.

As such, if Bamford was to stay, he is going to have to accept a considerably more reduced role than he has been used to.

Leeds have often found themselves relying on Bamford in seasons gone by but Mateo Joseph has proven he is ready to take on the burden of being Farke’s first choice number nine.