Leeds ‘expected’ to complete midfield signing as German star heads in
Leeds United have pulled the plug on a deal to sign ‘good influence’ Cheikhou Kouyate as a free agent after he failed his medical and are eyeing a move for an unnamed German player.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Scotland international Frank McAvennie believes the 34-year-old’s experience would have been a huge asset for Daniel Farke but he still “expects” United to sign a proven midfielder in the coming days.
Following injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, the West Yorkshire club are exploring the free-agent market to bolster their midfield.
Leeds United seek to add numbers in central midfield
The club will be hoping to put their disappointing 2-2 draw with Sunderland behind them as they prepare to face Sheffield United in what could be one of their most important games of the season.
“Kouyate’s in the dressing room and he’s got that experience and it’s good, there are a lot of youngsters at Leeds.”, McAvennie told Football Insider.
“They played a big game last week 2-2 draw and they should have won that, so that’s when you’ve got people like him, a good influence.
“He’s got the experience and they’d calm the young boys down and bring them back down to earth and not let them get too upset about losing two points.
“Because people thought they were going to get beat, I know a lot of thought Sunderland would beat them, but it wasn’t to be, and Leeds were a better team.
“But when you’ve got experienced heads in the dressing room like that it’s great for the team and it’s great for the manager.
“He’s in there with bags of experience and knows how he’s hit all the ups and downs and football is going to fling him.
“If his fitness isn’t up to it, then Leeds are right to pull the plug. I’m expecting them to sign a midfielder because of their injuries, and it’s likely to be a proven player who can lead the way.”
In other news, Leeds fans thrilled by ‘massive’ Dan James update.
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