Leeds United remain on the hunt for potential free agent signings after a move for Cheikhou Kouyate seemingly fell through.
Kouyate was invited to Thorp Arch last week and is even said to have undergone a medical, which reports suggest he has since failed.
Daniel Farke was asked about Kouyate in his pre-Sheffield United press conference earlier on Wednesday, and in typical fashion, refused to discuss specific names.
However, Farke did suggest he was ‘carefully optimistic’ that someone could come in, setting a two-week deadline for Leeds to make a signing.
Leeds are, of course, set to be without both Ethan Amapdu and Ilia Gruev for several months, which is why they have entered the market.
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Leeds eyeing move for Francis Coquelin
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell will undoubtedly be Leeds’ first choice midfield partnership until Ampadu returns, and so Farke has said anyone who signs needs to be prepared to come in as backup.
Most players who are available on the market are towards the latter stages of their careers and could add some much needed experience to a young squad.
And according to the Sun, Leeds now have a new free agent in their sights after missing out on Kouyate, in former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin.
Coquelin has reportedly been invited to Thorp Arch to work alongside the rest of his squad this week, though other free agents are still being looked at.
It is said the 33-year-old is open to a move to Elland Road having been without a club since his release from Villarreal in the summer.
As such, Leeds are now weighing up whether to offer Coquelin a short-term deal providing he can prove his fitness at Thorp Arch.
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Who is new Leeds target Coquelin?
Coquelin is an extremely experienced player who has made over 100 appearances in both La Liga and the Premier League.
He also has 39 Champions League appearances under his belt, the most recent of which came in the 2021/22 campaign with Villarreal, when they reached the semi-finals.
Including two FA Cups and a Europa League, Coquelin has won plenty throughout his career and so could be useful towards the backend of the season at the promotion crunch time.
Primarily a holding midfielder, Coquelin is exactly the type of player Leeds need to fill that gap while Ampadu recovers from his injury.
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