Daniel Farke says when he expects Leeds United to bring in free agent signing at Elland Road

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Leeds United are expected to make a new free agent signing sooner rather than later to provide some depth behind Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, and Daniel Farke gave a new update on Monday.

The Whites are seriously lacking in depth in the middle of the park and at centre-back and Daniel Farke has made it clear that he wants to sign a free agent that can act as cover in midfield, and at centre-back.

Ilia Gruev and Max Wober have both undergone knee surgery while captain Ethan Ampadu is set to be sidelined until the new year. It leaves Leeds with just two options in midfield in Tanaka and Rothwell.

At centre-back, just Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon. Four free agents have been linked including one of Farke’s old players in World Cup winner Christoph Kramer. Leeds are also linked with Francis Coquelin.

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Daniel Farke says Leeds will make a signing by end of next week

Kramer and Coquelin are not the only options that have been linked with Leeds. Cheikhou Kouyate was the first to be considered, while Farke is reportedly preferring a move to sign player Josuha Guilavogui.

Asked during Monday’s press conference if Leeds were any closer to signing a free agent, Leeds manager Farke said he expects Leeds will make a decision by the end of next week but could do so beforehand.

“Yes, a little bit closer. Like I mentioned, latest by the end of next week we’ll have a decision made in any direction but it can also happen quick. Let’s see what happens in the next few weeks,” Farke said.

Daniel Farke comments suggest signing will be Josuha Guilavogui

Last week, Farke made it clear he would like an experienced player that can play either as a centre-back or in midfield. One that can operate in both positions. Coquelin, Kramer and Kouyate are centre-midfielders.

With talk regarding Kouyate having gone cold, Guilavogui looks the more likely option given he can play in both positions. Coquelin is probably too small to be a centre-back and Kramer more of a technician.

So the chances are, if Farke does opt to bring in a free agent which looks more than likely, then it will be seven-time France international Guilavogui after his contract at Mainz came to an end in the summer.