Leeds could sign amazing Kouyate alternative who’s like Kante

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has been dealt several blows to his first-team squad with a string of unfortunate injury issues in recent weeks.

Central defender Max Wober, who returned to the club after a loan spell with Borussia Monchengladbach last season, has suffered a knee injury and is not expected back for another five weeks or so.

Meanwhile, central midfielders Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu have also been dealt blows as they are set to be out of action until 2025, both with knee injuries.

Ampadu was forced off in the first-half of the win away at Cardiff City before Gruev came off in the first-half of the 1-1 draw away at Norwich City, which has left the Whites light in the middle of the park.

Farke’s only senior options in central midfield are currently Ao Tanaka, who is currently away on international duty with Japan, and Joe Rothwell, with both players having joined during the summer transfer window.

This has forced the former Monchengladbach and Norwich head coach to consider the free agent market, with Chiekhou Kouyate emerging as a possible option for the West Yorkshire-based side.

Leeds United’s interest in Chiekhou Kouyate

The Boot Room had initially reported that the Whites had already agreed a deal with the former Nottingham Forest enforcer, who left the Tricky Trees at the end of last season.

It was claimed that the colossus was due to undergo a medical and finalise his move to the club over the weekend and that they had agreed a one-year contract, with an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

However, LeedsLive followed up on that and insisted that no deal has been struck with the 34-year-old star and that the club are still assessing their options in the free agent market.