Phil Hay says Leeds have now made approach for player Daniel Farke rates very ‘highly’

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have made an approach for Werder Bremen midfielder Ilia Gruev.

That is according to Phil Hay of the Athletic, who says Leeds are now focusing ‘very heavily’ on signing central midfielders with Gruev the latest player the Whites have moved for.

It is said that Gruev is rated at around the £4 million mark with Daniel Farke a big fan of the 23-year-old, who is a Bulgarian international.

Werder Bremen have already confirmed themselves that Gruev is absent from training today as he holds ‘contract talks’ with another club.

That now appears to be Leeds with Hay reporting Gruev is firmly on the club’s radar and that an approach has been made.

Leeds make approach for Bremen’s Gruev

Gruev is one of a number of midfielders Leeds have been linked with as the window approaches the final 48 hours.

Leeds are extremely keen on bolstering their options in the middle of the park and Hay has also confirmed the club’s interest in Matt O’Riley and Kenny McLean.

He says Leeds are also continuing to monitor the situation of Glen Kamara, with a deal for Norwich City’s McLean looking unlikely as they are determined to keep the 31-year-old.

Gruev is primarily a holding midfielder and so could provide competition for Ethan Ampadu, or slot in alongside him if Farke looks to operate with a more defensive minded pairing.

If Gruev does join, it poses the question as to how many central midfielders Leeds will sign, with a number eight and 10 also needed.