Leeds United’s seemingly endless pursuit of midfielders this summer is finally set to bear fruit as the Peacocks are close to signing Werder Bremen star Ilia Gruev, according to The Athletic.
German outlet Bild reported on Wednesday that Gruev was allowed to miss training with Werder to hold talks with Leeds over a proposed 4 million euro (£3.4 million) move before the Friday deadline passes.
Now, The Athletic are claiming that the Bulgaria international has travelled to England and will complete his switch to Elland Road within the next 24 hours, although it’s yet to be clear whether the defensive midfielder will be fit enough to feature on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the outlet have also contradicted Bild‘s report on Gruev’s price tag, revealing that Leeds United will have to pay the Bundesliga outfit £5 million for the 23-year-old.
The Athletic have claimed that Gruev is ‘likely to be one of two central midfielders’ that joins Daniel Farke’s squad before the transfer window slams shut, naming Rangers’ Glen Kamara and Celtic’s Matt O’Riley as two others who are being targeted.
Yesterday, Sky Sports announced that Leeds were eyeing up O’Riley and were set to battle it out with Championship rivals Southampton for the Danish U21 international.
Kamara is the club’s primary target but the Yorkshire side could move for O’Riley should a deal for Rangers’ Finnish star not come to fruition by tomorrow.
Writer’s View
It could be a very exciting end to the summer transfer window for Leeds United supporters and the coaching staff.
Gruev is an excellent addition to the team and can play as both a single pivot in midfield as well as a double ‘6’ in Farke’s 4-2-3-1, providing much-needed quality in the middle of the park to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu and youngster Archie Gray.
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