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If reports are true, latest Leeds transfer mission could be huge for 19-year-old star – opinion

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Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing an unnamed midfielder with international experience this summer.

That is according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, who says Leeds are determined to bolster their options in the middle of the park with someone who possesses excellent quality in possession.

Though the identity of the target has not been confirmed, Smyth says he is a player with pedigree on the international stage, which potentially makes for an exciting addition.

Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League
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Midfield is arguably the area that needs strengthening most this summer, with Weston McKennie having left, Marc Roca set to follow, Adam Forshaw out of contract and Tyler Adams attracting plenty of interest.

The only current options Leeds can bank on being here for certain for the Championship opener with Cardiff City are talented youngsters Darko Gyabi, Lewis Bate and Archie Gray.

All three of those players have been mentioned as potentially having an impact in the first team this season, but Gyabi in particular looks very likely to step up.

Gyabi was one of Leeds’ best players in the first half of Daniel Farke’s first friendly in charge against Manchester United, looking to pick the ball up from the defence and building through midfield.

On some occasions he displayed an excellent awareness of what’s around him and was able to turn out of danger, but equally he was also suffocated by Man United’s press at times.

Gyabi will learn as he develops more and more how to get better at that, and an experienced international midfielder to learn off could be exactly what he needs to accelerate that.

Leeds United v Manchester City - Premier League
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What’s more, if Leeds are able to sign this unnamed target and partner him with Gyabi, it would take the pressure of him having to constantly pick up the ball from the defence.

Against Man United, he was the only one of Leeds’ midfielders capable of doing this, which left him exposed at times.

So, with that in mind, this could be the perfect signing not only to help Farke implement his style, but also help Gyabi.