According to sources, Cheikhou Kouyate has been visiting Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training facility for “several days” in an attempt to finalise a surprise transfer to the team.
Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev suffered long-term injuries, leaving Leeds lacking in the midfield.
With Leeds now sitting in fifth place in the Championship after nine games, three points behind Sunderland and Sheffield United in the race for automatic promotion, Daniel Farke cannot afford to let his team’s injury crisis lead to poor results.
With Leeds now without a victory in their previous two games—drawing 1-1 at Norwich City and 2-2 at Sunderland—the pressure is especially strong. Given that a 2-1 lead was lost due to an amazing howler by Ian Meslier, the latter was especially disheartening.
Adam Pope, a journalist for BBC Sport, claims that although Kouyate has been at Thorp Park for days, Leeds’ attempt to recruit the midfield player is still “in the balance.”
Since his Nottingham Forest contract ended in the summer, Kouyate has been a free agent.
The 34-year-old midfielder would bring a wealth of experience to Elland Road, having played for Senegal with 92 caps and having played for teams like West Ham, Crystal Palace and Anderlecht.
Kouyate has made 291 Premier League appearances overall for Forest, West Ham and Palace.
Leeds pushing for Cheikhou Kouyate transfer
In addition to Pope’s story, MOT Leeds News has stated that although an official medical has not yet been conducted, the Yorkshire club is “strongly considering” a deal for Kouyate.
Given Leeds’ crucial Championship matches against promotion rivals Sheffield United, Watford, and Blackburn Rovers over the coming months, it is believed that both parties are eager to schedule a medical in order to finalise a deal.
After the international break is over, they will play their Yorkshire derby against the Blades.
Read more at: https://sportupdates.co.uk
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