Leeds United are now showing the strongest interest in signing an “incredible” midfielder, following the recent Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka injury blows.
Leeds pursuing new midfielder with Ampadu and Tanaka sidelined
Leeds got off to the perfect start to the new Premier League campaign, securing a 1-0 victory at home to Everton, but things have since taken a turn for the worse, most recently being knocked out of the EFL Cup by a youthful Sheffield Wednesday side.
To make matters worse, Daniel Farke has now confirmed that two of his midfielders are set for spells on the sidelines in the coming weeks.
When asked about the nature of Tanaka’s issue, Farke said: “MCL injury, he will also be out for a few weeks. It’s difficult at the moment to say exactly when he can return but also definitely not before the international break so it’s quite a similar injury to Ethan Ampadu’s.”
Having two players in the same position ruled out at such an early stage of the season is a blow for Farke, but there is still time to get another central midfielder through the door before the deadline, and that is exactly what the manager plans to do.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Leeds are now showing the strongest interest in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is open to leaving the Red Devils before the end of the transfer window.
In fact, having fallen down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, one Caught Offside source has stated Mainoo could “formally request a transfer” in the coming days, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur known to be long-term admirers.
Given that a £70m price tag has previously been touted, the Whites are planning to sign the midfielder on a loan deal, but it remains to be seen whether he would be interested in the move, given that a relegation battle is likely to be on the cards.
Mainoo could be "incredible" coup for Leeds
When the 20-year-old first burst onto the scene, he received extremely high praise from numerous Sky Sports pundits, with Michael Dawson lauding the youngster’s calmness in possession of the ball as “incredible”.
Since then, the Stockport-born youngster hasn’t really managed to kick on, failing to feature in United’s first two Premier League games this season, but he could still be a real coup for Leeds.
Amassing 10 England caps at just 20-years-old is no mean feat, and suggests the central midfielder has a great deal of potential, with Leeds perhaps in need of more depth in central midfield, given that Ampadu and Tanaka have been sidelined.
However, it would be a real surprise if Mainoo were willing to move to Elland Road, given the rivalry with his current club, and the move seems a little far-fetched.