Leeds United remain in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer.
The Whites have brought in Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea but at the same time, have seen three of last season’s first team options depart after relegation.
Weston McKennie made his return to Juventus after the completion of his loan spell, Marc Roca has joined Real Betis on a season-long-loan, and Adam Forshaw opted against signing a new deal.
As such, 17-year-old Archie Gray is in line to make his competitive Leeds debut on Sunday against Cardiff City, partnering Ampadu in a midfield two.
However, Daniel Farke has already said he does not want to be relying on youngsters across the entire season, meaning signings will have to be made.
Unnamed Championship club make £8.6m for Mendy, he’d be ideal at Leeds
According to journalist Santi Aouna, an unnamed Championship club has made a £8.6 million offer for Angers midfielder Batista Mendy.
With Angers having been relegated from Ligue 1 last season, Mendy is expected to leave this summer and he would be ideal for Leeds alongside Ampadu.
Mendy is a 6’3 leggy midfielder who would bring both physicality and technical ability to Leeds‘ engine room.
Unlike Ampadu, who is more of a get it and give it type of midfielder, Mendy excels in picking the ball up from deep and carrying it to progress his side up the pitch.
Leeds do not really have that type of profile in the centre of the park, although that said, Gray does also possess excellent dribbling ability.
Bringing Mendy in to play alongside Ampadu would provide an incredibly solid midfield base for Leeds’ front four to have the freedom to express themselves in the final third, knowing they are protected behind them.
Though the identity of the club remains unclear, it really can only be one of the relegated sides stumping up these sort of sums, and of the three teams, Leeds are certainly the weakest in midfield at this stage.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
