As the Leeds United supporters know only too well, things tend to get a little confusing at this stage of a transfer window.
Fortunately, amid reports that Leeds United could look to raid another Championship club for one of their prized assets before next week’s deadline, the Cardiff City boss came out during his Friday press conference and provided some welcome clarity.
According to claims which emerged in the media in midweek, Leeds have joined title-rivals Burnley, as well as Premier League strugglers Leicester City and Southampton, in the race to sign winger Ollie Tanner from the South Welsh outfit.
Now, Leeds are not exactly lacking in the wing department.
It speaks volumes as to the depth at Daniel Farke’s disposal that, as Manor Solomon and Dan James scored in the victory over Norwich City on Wednesday night, the Elland Road boss had the luxury of being able to bring Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani off the bench late on.
Ramazani, of course, would score one and assist another in a scintillating cameo display against Sheffield Wednesday just days earlier.
So, with Leeds a little short at centre-half, up top and in the number ten role – Farke has raised hopes of a swoop for Emi Buendia – another wideman would feel maybe a little superfluous.
Yet, that has not stopped the rumour mill from turning.
That is, until Cardiff coach Omer Riza batted away suggestions that Tanner could swap South Wales for West Yorkshire, insisting that, as far as he is concerned, there is no truth to the rumours.
Cardiff City boss dismisses Ollie Tanner to Leeds United links
“No,” was Riza’s immediate response when asked if Tanner could depart. “Ollie’s a young lad, he’s one of ours and he’s doing really well. We need him, like we need all the other players in our team, and he’s doing well.
“He’s focused on doing his job at Cardiff and that’s it, really.”
Still only 22, you can see why Leeds may have taken a liking to Tanner.
Like Plymouth Argyle wing-back Bali Mumba – Leeds have been linked with Farke’s former Norwich starlet – Tanner could be a solid, squad player capable of filling in in a variety of different roles. While he prefers to cut in from the right onto his left foot, Tanner has also been used on the opposite flank and even as a full-back on occasions.
“He is a good young player,” Riza’s Cardiff predecessor Erol Bulut said after Tanner scored one and made the other in a 2-0 win over bitter rivals Swansea back in 2023.
“When I had a pre-season, I gave everybody their chance to play and I saw that he had something in him. He has a good left foot. He has a good shot and he can dribble. He is strong.
“I hope for his career that he continues like that.”
Daniel Farke keen on another attacking addition at Elland Road
Leeds face Scott Parker’s Burnley on Monday in a major test of their title credentials. Farke is confident that Manor Solomon will be fit to feature after a recent injury scare, while Brenden Aaronson should also be available after he made it back in time to start against Norwich.
Though Farke is not closing the door on the addition of another attacking midfielder this month.
“It’s fair to say, if there is a creative offensive player, a number ten, it is definitely something that could be beneficial,” the German said. “Brenden Aaronson is excellent, a key player for us, but we don’t have a similar player.
“We have players that can play in this role. Joel Piroe or a winger, but it is different. If there is a solution for a creative player, it makes sense to stay awake.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
