Daniel Farke shares the positions he now really wants to strengthen at Leeds this summer

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Daniel Farke has picked out central midfield, centre back and full back as three positions Leeds United need to strengthen this summer.

Farke was speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post after Leeds’ 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Pirelli Stadium, in what was his first as Whites boss.

Leeds produced comfortably their best display of pre-season so far against Premier League opposition with a number of fringe players including Jamie Shackleton, Ian Poveda and Sam Byram impressing.

However, Farke is still keen to add to his squad this summer with Leeds having only made one new signing so far in Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea.

Karl Darlow is expected to follow him from Newcastle, but there remains plenty of work to be done for Leeds in the market to reshape the squad how Farke sees fit.

Farke picks out three positions he wants Leeds to strengthen this summer

Speaking after the game, Farke still feels his squad are light in central defence and midfield, as well as at full back, highlighting the need for a ‘lot of business to be done’.

He said: “I think we have to say 100 per cent we need in many, many positions. If we want to be an ambitious club we can’t rely just on the fitness level of Ethan Ampadu in the centre of the park and if he’s not ready perhaps an 18-year-old guy [Darko Gyabi] in the number 8 position or a 17-year-old guy [Archie Gray] who has to lead our midfield.

“It’s not possible and also not healthy for the development of the young lads. They need players they can lean on and learn. I’m pretty pleased with the development of our young players but we definitely need additions. In the centre-back position also.

“The Championship is the toughest league in the world and at the moment we just have three centre-backs so we need to do a little bit. We’re also a bit thin on full-back positions. Many, many positions but it’s always about what is realistic. If you want to start really ambitious we need a lot of business to be done. If it’s impossible anyhow due to the situation then we keep going with what we have and try to make the best out of it.”

Leeds’ only real senior option in the middle of the park at the moment is new signing Ampadu, with Tyler Adams still recovering from a hamstring injury.

Further back, another right sided centre back is certainly needed to provide competition for Charlie Cresswell, while left-back is also in desperate need of strengthening.

It is very encouraging to hear Farke speaking so openly about what needs doing and hopefully Leeds can continue to press on in the market.