Journalist says Leeds now targeting new Bundesliga midfielder after failed Nadiem Amiri pursuit

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Leeds United are interested in a move for Werder Bremen midfielder Ilia Gruev.

That is according to ITV journalist Chris Dawkes, who says he has ‘heard from a reliable source’ that Leeds are keen on a deal for the Bulgarian international.

Bundesliga is a market Leeds have began to look at in the final weeks of the window with Daniel Farke knowing it well from his time as manager of Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Whites have already tried to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Nadiem Amiri, but as per Phil Hay, have withdrawn their interest after he flew into Leeds for face-to-face talks.

That said, Gruev is a completely different type of midfielder to Amiri, with the former more of a defensive midfielder, and the latter a number 10.

Leeds eyeing move for Bremen’s Gruev

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

That said, Gruev is actually more of a number four having played the majority of his matches for Werder Bremen as a defensive midfielder.

He would certainly be a useful profile to add to the squad with Farke having no natural cover to Ethan Ampadu, who is yet to miss a minute in all competitions this season.

With the way Farke wants to play, a more defensive minded player to slot in alongside Ampadu could also be useful, as Leeds’ right-back is often tasked with playing high up the pitch and therefore leaving space in behind.

Gruev is a product of Werder Bremen’s academy and has gone onto play 62 times for the club’s first team, scoring one goal.