Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Cheikhou Kouyate is reportedly undergoing a medical before becoming a Leeds United player.
Kouyate has been heavily linked with the whites in recent days, with injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev that left them very short in midfield.
There are still two and a half months until the opening of the January transfer market.
However, with Leeds fifth in the Championship table and three points adrift of the top two after nine games, Daniel Farke cannot afford to wait to find a replacement midfielder.
Kouyate’s move to Elland Road has been touch and go, with the 34-year-old at the club’s Thorp Arch training ground in recent days trying to get things going.
Finally there seems to be a breakthrough, however, with Football Insider reporting that Kouyate is finally undergoing a medical after Leeds decided against alternative options.
What Cheikhou Kouyate will bring to Leeds United
Kouyate will bring immense experience to the Leeds United midfield
A 92-time Senegal international and winner of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, he is a veteran of 291 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest combined.
Kouyate also played 206 times in all competitions for Belgian giants Anderlecht between 2009 and 2014, winning four league titles and three Super Cups.
Always known for being an aggressive midfielder, Kouyate averaged 3.07 tackles and 2.32 fouls per 90 minutes during his two Premier League seasons with Nottingham Forest between 2022 and 2024 before his contract expired in summer
Leeds hope Kouyate can make a quick start despite his long spell without a club.
The Whites are preparing for a vital promotion clash against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United this weekend, with the Blades currently in automatic second place.
Top photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
