Leeds United still haven’t given up hope of bringing in a free agent in the next couple of weeks and another midfielder has been invited to Thorp Arch.
The Whites remain on the lookout for potential options to bolster their midfield after losing both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev to long-term injury before the international break.
Former Premier League ace Cheikhou Kouayate was the first to be given an opportunity by Daniel Farke but after reportedly undergoing a medical last week, a deal hasn’t materialised.
Francis Coquelin then became the next player mentioned as a possible target, though Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth dismissed claims he has been on trial.
Farke said in his press conference on Wednesday that it is still a market Leeds are pursuing, but has set a deadline of the next two weeks.
Graeme Bailey shares update on Leeds’ Christoph Kramer interest
The majority of the options currently available to Leeds are all very much coming towards the end of their respective careers.
Farke said he is ‘cautiously optimistic’ Leeds will find someone, but in order to do so, the player has to accept they will not play much, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell first choice.
Christoph Kramer is among the names to have been linked with Leeds over the last couple of weeks, perhaps predictably so, having played under Farke at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Kramer has been without a club since his release from Gladbach in the summer and is said to be prioritising staying in Germany, after also undertaking some punditry work.
However, fresh reports have indicated Kramer is the latest free agent to be invited to Thorp Arch and transfer expert Graeme Bailey has exclusively told LeedsUnited.News ‘he is there’.
Kramer was a World Cup winner with Germany earlier in his career and at 33, is again someone who would add experience to Leeds’ squad.
However, it has been a several months since he even trained in a professional environment, so Farke must weigh up the length of time it will take him to get up to speed, against Ampadu’s return.
Every word Daniel Farke said on Leeds’ free agent search
As mentioned, Farke spoke in great detail about how Leeds’ free agent hunt has looked in the past couple of weeks.
Here is every word he said: “I spoke about the situation before. I never confirm names and I will not speak about player not under contract to us or are free agents. Generally, it’s a new situation.
“We are short in numbers. Injuries in midfield left us looking at the free agents and confirm we had a deeper look at guests in the last days here. Most important not to mention names, but to look at profiles.
“Holding midfielder we are short. Ethan was the first choice. Ilia would have been back up. We are thin on centre-back too. We need to add experience and they need to accept when our key men come back they are the first choices.
“They have to accept they are back-up solutions. They should want to help our young players. We need someone who has that right mentality. This is what we are searching for. Carefully optimistic we will add someone in the next days or weeks.
“It won’t last more weeks. Will not be end of November. It would be quickly, if at all. Perhaps candidates are already working on their fitness level behind closed doors. We do our homework. Will just be there when a deal would make sense.
“We spoke about October challenges. Unique case for us. Don’t have to be too strict. Due to the injuries, we have to be professional and check it. We don’t need just a good footballer, we need the player is convinced of their challenge and role here.
“Has to be a sensitive deal. Cannot spend a fortune on such a deal. A few boxes have to be ticked. Not too far from a decision. We want to lead this club in a sustainable way. In the next two weeks or not at all.”
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