Leeds United poised to make ‘final decision’ on free agent, they’ve already held talks

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Journalist Ben Jacobs says that Leeds United are set to make a ‘final decision’ on a possible free agent signing.

Leeds United look set to do some business outside of the transfer window, despite what was a prolific summer in the market for Daniel Farke’s side.

Eight new players arrived at Elland Road, with big money spent on the likes of Joe Rodon who was in action for Wales on Thursday night.

But Farke currently finds his side in 5th place of the Championship table, largely owing to Illan Meslier’s blunder at Sunderland last time out, and extremely light in certain positions of the pitch.

The injury to Ethan Ampadu has really opened up a void in the middle of the pitch for Leeds, who also have Ilia Gruev on the sidelines for a sustained period of time.

Recent reports have revealed that Leeds United are interested in Cheikhou Kouyate following his Nottingham Forest release at the end of last season.

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Cheikhou Kouyate to Leeds United latest revealed by Ben Jacobs

There’s been a bit of back and forth in the media over whether or not former West Ham man Kouyate is heading to Leeds United.

It’s been claimed that Kouyate was set to undergo a medical with the Whites, though Ben Jacobs has since shut down that suggestion.

Instead, Jacobs says that Kouyate to Leeds is ‘not a done deal as of tonight’, meaning Thursday night, despite reports of a medical.

Jacobs adds that Kouyate and Leeds have ‘discussed a short-term contract’ and that Farke’s side will ‘make a final decision soon’.

Do Leeds United really need Cheikhou Kouyate

For Leeds, this likely Kouyate deal looks set to divide opinion. But it’s clear that Farke is lacking midfield options right now.

Kouyate certainly has experience. But by the time Farke can realistically expect him to be ready to play regular Championship football, it’ll nearly be the January transfer window.

The Senegalese arriving may still mean that Farke still buys a new midfielder in January and simply uses Kouyate as back-up more often than not.

But it’s that time waiting for Kouyate to be match-ready that will be the killer for Leeds.

If Farke is still having to rely on the likes of Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka every week, then they too could become susceptible to injury, and further deepen the midfield crisis at Elland Road

Kouyate is a risk for sure, but it could still be a move that pays dividends.