Leeds United have eyes on new free agent despite Josuha Guilavogui being pictured at Elland Road

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Leeds United’s hunt for a free agent remains ongoing despite Josuha Guilavogui’s attendance at Elland Road for the 2-0 win over Sheffield United.

Daniel Farke has been assessing potential options for almost three weeks now but is still seemingly yet to land on the ideal candidate.

Leeds are in the market for an experienced holding midfielder to come in as backup to both Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka, who are the first choice pairing after Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev’s long-term injuries.

Rothwell and Tanaka were both outstanding in Leeds’ victory against the Blades but an injury to either one of those would leave Farke very short.

Guilavogui, Cheikhou Kouyate and Christoph Kramer are among the names to have been linked so far, with the former pictured with a fan at Friday’s match.

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Leeds eyeing Francis Coquelin after Guilavogui reports

With it a number of days since Guilavogui’s appearance at Elland Road, the fact he has not signed would suggest Leeds haven’t made a final decision yet.

Farke claimed a decision would be made by the end of next week in his pre-Watford press conference on Monday, though did also suggest it could arrive within the next few days.

And now according to journalist Nacho Sanchis, there has been a fresh twist in Leeds’ search, with Francis Coquelin on his way to Thorp Arch for a ‘trial’.

It was reported last week this was the case, but Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth shut down those claims.

As per Sanchis, Coquelin has actually been training with Spanish fourth tier side UD Alzira in order to keep fit since his release from Villarreal in the summer, who he played 22 times for last season.

However, Coquelin is now said to be ‘ready’ to prove himself at a bigger club ahead of signing a contract, and it seems Leeds may well be considering whether to hand him that opportunity.

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Every word Farke said on Leeds’ free agent search

One potential drawback to Coquelin could be his lack of experience playing at centre-back, with Farke a little worried at Leeds’ lack of depth there.

Joe Rodon is one booking away from a suspension, while Max Wober and Ampadu are also out injured. Leeds are another absence or two away from a crisis.

That said, Farke did reveal Leeds were ‘closer’ to making a decision earlier this week, and if Coquelin has indeed been invited to Thorp Arch, that may be the route they go down.

He said: “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.”