Graham Smyth shares his ‘understanding’ of Leeds United’s reported interest in Francis Coquelin

Add as preferred source on Google

Francis Coquelin is the latest free agent to have been linked with a move to Leeds United.

Leeds remain on the lookout for potential options to bolster their midfield, with reports suggesting Coquelin has been invited to Thorp Arch.

The former Arsenal star is even said to be keen on the move, though clearly nothing has been decided yet whether Leeds will be bringing anyone in at all.

Cheikhou Kouyate is another name that has been mentioned over the last week or so, as he spent time at Leeds’ training ground in a bid to prove his fitness.

Having reportedly undergone a medical, nothing has progressed since, which would indicate a deal for him looks unlikely at this stage.

• READ MORE: Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says what he thinks of Leeds United as a club now after fan criticism

Smyth shares what he’s heard on Leeds’ Coquelin interest

Daniel Farke was once again quizzed on the free agent situation in his pre-Sheffield United press conference, where he remained tight-lipped on names.

That said, Farke did reveal cautious optimism at the prospect of Leeds bringing someone in, though set a deadline of the next two weeks for that to happen.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, journalist Graham Smyth spoke of Leeds’ interest in Coquelin as a potential solution.

Smyth has seemingly suggested a deal won’t materialise by claiming reports he is at Thorp Arch are wide of the mark. However, he didn’t fully rule it out.

He said: “The situation is still that Kouyate remains one of a very small number they have looked at, are looking at and considering. There was nothing imminent last night when we spoke to the club.

“I know there was a national newspaper report about Coquelin being invited in. That’s not our understanding of the situation at present, so it’s just a wait and see.”

• READ MORE: Chris Wilder makes Leeds United ‘budget’ claim ahead of Sheffield United’s trip to Elland Road

Kouyate would be better option than Coquelin for Leeds

While everyone is rightly focusing on Leeds’ lack of depth in midfield after injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, it is not the only position they are light in.

An injury or suspension to one of Joe Rodon or Pascal Struijk would leave Leeds right in the lurch at centre-back, with Max Wober still on his way back.

With that in mind, Kouyate would be a more logical option than Coquelin as he can play both as a centre-back, and holding midfielder. Kouyate also has a better injury record.

Whoever comes in is not going to be playing much anyway, but having the security of someone who can cover both would make sense in the current situation.