New Years Day at Leeds United not only saw Blackburn Rovers arrive at Elland Road in a clash between two promotion hopefuls, it also saw the official opening of the January transfer window.
As such, while Farke bemoaned a sluggish Leeds performance and a late Danny Batth equaliser in his post-match press conference, it did not take long before the conversation turned to the topic of transfers.
Leeds have been linked with forwards such as Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry – recalled from a dazzling loan spell at Stockport County – and Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake. Lausanne Sport schemer Alvyn Sanches has been mentioned in conjunction with Leeds too, albeit convincing the Swiss title challengers to cash in this month appears easier said than done.
The early signs, however, suggest that the priority lies at the other end of the pitch.
Ethan Ampadu may be as versatile as they come, but the fact remains that Leeds have just three senior centre-halves; Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Max Wober.
No wonder Leeds have taken an interest in Andrew Omobamidele and Nico Elvedi. Two players Daniel Farke knows well from his time at Norwich City and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively. TBR Football understands that there is truth in reports suggesting Leeds are keen on RC Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov too.
And then there is Christopher Wooh. Another for whom the phrase ‘watch this space’ feels appropriate.
Leeds United linked with Rennes defender Christopher Wooh
Now, when pressed on the possibility of winter additions after that Blackburn draw, Farke was insistent that Leeds are ‘prepared, more or less, for each and every scenario’, albeit without going into detail.
It was reported in France last week, meanwhile, that Leeds have enquired about Rennes stopper Christopher Wooh. Reportedly available for just shy of £6 million, Wooh would come far cheaper than his Ligue 1 rival Khusanov. Ditto Elvedi, an £8 million release clause in his Gladbach contract.
Usually, clubs have reservations about selling players in the winter.
But Leeds’ biggest challenge, when it comes to luring Wooh to Elland Road, is not Rennes’ reluctance, but the possibility of a serious assault from clubs in the division above. TBR Football reported in October that Wolverhampton Wanderers are big fans of the Cameroon international.
And, despite a recent upturn under new coach Vitor Pereira, Wolves are still burdened with the joint-worst defensive record in the whole of the Premier League.
Ligue 1 outfit happy to sell Elland Road transfer target
Rennes aren’t really faring much better in the defensive third. Wooh, meanwhile, appears to have paid the price for the role he played in a run which has the perennial-European chasers sitting outside the top half.
Wooh was hauled off at half-time as Rennes suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Auxerre a few weeks ago. He has not started any of the last four Ligue 1 matches either.
And, according to RMC Sport, the Brittany outfit have now decided to cash in, in order to raise funds for reinforcements of their own between now and the end of January.
Consider this a door open to Leeds, then, in their pursuit of a stopper capable of adding some much-needed depth to Farke’s defensive ranks.
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