Leeds United ‘take a look’ at former West Ham United and Nottingham Forest midfielder amid injury issues
Leeds United have reportedly taken a look at former West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate following his Nottingham Forest departure.
The pair formed his preferred midfield partnership but neither are expected to be available for selection until 2025. Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have stepped up in their place, although neither are known as pragmatic midfielders.
Leeds also have Wales-capped Charlie Crew in their ranks and the teenager is highly rated, but does lack experience at senior level.
Farke did not completely rule out a venture into the free agent market and according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Kouyate is among the players to have been looked at.
A seasoned veteran at 34, the Senegal international was released by Nottingham Forest in the summer after two years at the City Ground. He boasts a wealth of Premier League experience, having represented West Ham and Crystal Palace before joining Forest.
Speaking after losing Ampadu and Gruev, Farke said: “I think it’s one of our professional duties to be aware and check who’s available and what we could do.
“I’m not a big fan of signing players who are out of contract in the beginning of October because it means they’ve been out of team training since May – five months.
“Quite often it’s a bit like a panic buy or to pretend to do something. It’s professional to check it and sometimes there could be someone who really suits the needs in this moment so we should check this moment but if I’m honest I’m not a big believer in doing these signings in October.
“We’ll wait and hope for a positive outcome for the scan on Ilia. If there’s a shocking diagnosis that he’s out for months, then we’ll have a look but I can’t confirm we’d do it.”
