Daniel Farke will aim to get Leeds promoted at the second attempt. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
Cheikhou Kouyate has reportedly been at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training ground for “several days” as he tries to complete a shock transfer to the club.
Leeds have been short-handed in midfield after Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev suffered long-term injuries.
But Daniel Farke cannot afford to fall into a slump due to an injury crisis Leeds currently fifth in the Championship after nine games, three points behind Sunderland and Sheffield United in the automatic promotion places.
The pressure is particularly high with Leeds now winless in their last two, drawing at Norwich City and Sunderland 1-1 and 2-2 respectively. The latter was particularly disappointing given The incredible howl of Illan Meslier who let slip a 2-1.
according to Adam Pope, BBC sports journalistKouyate has been at Thorp Park for days but Leeds’ push to sign the midfielder remains “in the balance”.
Kouyate has been a free agent since his contract with Nottingham Forest expired in the summer.
The midfielder is now 34, but with 92 caps for Senegal and the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace and Anderlecht among his former clubs, he would bring immense experience to Elland Road.
Kouyate is a veteran of 291 Premier League appearances for Palace, West Ham and Forest combined.
Leeds are pushing for the transfer of Cheikhou Kouyate
Adding to Pope’s report, MOT Leeds News have reported that the Yorkshire club are “strongly considering” a move for Kouyate, but that an official medical has yet to take place.
Both sides are understood to be keen to get a medical on the books to secure a deal, with Leeds facing critical Championship clashes with promotion rivals Sheffield United, Watford and Blackburn Rovers over the next two months.
It is his Yorkshire derby with the Blades that will come after the conclusion of the international break.
Top photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images
