Bundesliga club Werder Bremen have confirmed that midfielder Ilia Gruev is not training with the main group as he holds talks with an unnamed team, amid links to Leeds United.
Leeds face Sheffield Wednesday this weekend with a new-look side potentially lining up at Elland Road after signings in recent weeks.
More are required before the transfer window shuts on Friday, but the club appear to be pressing on with key targets.
Ilia Gruev to Leeds?
It was reported this morning by ITV’s Chris Dawkes that the club are interested in signing Werder Bremen midfielder Ilia Gruev this week, as they bid to bring in more quality in midfield, as Archie Gray continues to play virtually every minute so far.
The Bulgarian international appears to be free to leave the Bundesliga club after being a bit-part option for his club last season.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay has now revealed the club are pushing to sign the player, with Farke rating him very highly, as he’s currently rated at £4million.
Leeds United have made an approach for midfielder Ilia Gruev at Werder Bremen. Highly-rated by Farke. Club focusing heavily on central midfielders now.
Kamara interest still there. Also strongly linked with Matt O’Riley at Celtic.
Will he leave Bremen?
Now, it seems as though the 23-year-old is edging closer to an exit from the German outfit, with Werder Bremen’s official website confirming that the midfielder has been excluded from training today.
The reason given for his absence is that he’s in talks with an unnamed club over a transfer away this week:
“In Wednesday’s training session, Ole Werner will have to do without five of his players. Romano Schmid will miss training after suffering a blow to his ankle yesterday. Oliver Burke and and Ilia Gruev are also not training because both players are in contract talks with other clubs.”
The club need a midfield signing imminently, and the top-flight experience of Gruev means he could come to Leeds as a shrewd arrival.
He’s not going to cost a great deal at £4million, and comes with quality that we desperately need in midfield.
Archie Gray has been immense so far, but to rely on a teenager to start every game so far is just asking too much.