Daniel Farke confirms another Leeds player has ‘a lot of interest’ in him as Georginio Rutter deal edges closer

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United supporters will be hiding behind their sofas hoping no more of their key players leave before the end of the window.

Despite Leeds confirming in an official statement after Archie Gray’s exit they would be in a better position to keep other important members of the squad, that has not materialised.

Gray’s £40 million switch to Tottenham Hotspur was followed by Crysencio Summerville joining West Ham United for £25 million.

Those departures were slightly easier to take having always been expected to leave after losing in the Championship play-off final, but the last 24 hours certainly haven’t been.

Georginio Rutter is set to become big money exit number three of the summer after Brighton activated his £40 million release clause, sending Leeds supporters into a state of disarray.

• READ MORE: Leeds United should ask for £9.5m Brighton attacker in return after agreeing Georginio Rutter sale

Farke admits interest in Leeds’ Ethan Ampadu

Based on how this window has gone, you would be daft to rule out the prospect of more sales in the next 15 days.

Wilfried Gnonto is someone who has attracted concrete interest from Everton, and it is difficult to imagine how he must be feeling right now, after seeing his two closest friends depart.

However, speaking in his pre-West Bromwich Albion press conference today, Farke has revealed which other Leeds player has been attracting a lot of interest this summer.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, that man is Ethan Ampadu after his stellar debut campaign at Elland Road, which saw him named as the club’s new captain last month.

Farke, though, has insisted key men such as Ampadu remain ‘committed’ to the club despite watching so many of their teammates move onto pastures news.

He said: “Yes of course they are a bit affected if quality players and big characters like the guys we spoke about before are leaving.

“They are also ambitious, but when a player like Joe Rodon signs a long-term contract with us, Ethan Ampadu who attracts a lot of interest as well, and some of our other offensive players, they are fully committed to this club.

“They want the best possible squad, want to play and also asking for depth and quality in the squad. They share the same feelings. It’s not like they’re happy because one of the competitors in their position have gone.”

• READ MORE: What Georginio Rutter was seen doing just before leaving Elland Road after Leeds’ defeat to Middlesbrough

Farke sends transfer message to 49ers

Based on Farke‘s comments on Ampadu, it is clear that it is not only supporters demanding new signings in the next two weeks.

The playing squad are quite clearly expecting some real quality to be brought in, with Farke ramping up the pressure on the board to get that done.

He said: “I stick to what I said. We need cover at full-back, a midfielder, a winger or offensive player and after Georgi a second offensive player. They need the full package in all areas.

“You are not a top player unless you deliver goals and assists. They have to fit personality and mentality and be affordable. Not easy to attract this quality. Easier in the PL. This is what we work on.

“I know our key people are working hard behind the scenes. I know when there are no incoming there is stress, but I talk to them every day and they know what I want. I am carefully optimistic something will happen.