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Where former Nottingham Forest standout ranks in Leeds’ free agent target list

IMAGO / Action Plus

Multiple reports link former Nottingham Forest veteran Cheikhou Kouyaté to Leeds United to bolster their thinning midfield depth following the injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.

Ampadu will be out for the rest of 2024 after suffering an injury to his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) rather than the more serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). As for Gruev, the midfielder will miss months rather than weeks and undergo surgery on his meniscus after sustaining his knee injury.

On Friday, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Leeds are considering signing Kouyaté on a free transfer. However, the deal hasn’t been finalized yet, despite reports suggesting he has undergone a medical exam.

Moreover, on Saturday, Leeds Live, citing sources, reported that no deal has been struck and the situation is not at an advanced stage for Kouyaté.

The Yorkshire side are likely considering his fitness carefully before making a decision. The midfielder hasn’t played more than 1,000 minutes of league football since the 2021-22 season.

More information on Leeds’ interest in Cheikhou Kouyaté emerges

MOT Leeds News reported on Saturday that the club are targeting several free agents as manager Daniel Farke looks to address the injury crisis at Elland Road. The report states that Kouyaté is on Leeds’ radar and is being strongly considered to fill the midfield void.

Furthermore, MOT Leeds News, citing sources, reports that the club has confirmed Kouyate is a key target on their shortlist of available free agents. There are also claims that the 34-year-old midfielder has already undergone a medical with Leeds, although this report is considered premature.

Kouyaté has been a free agent since the summer after Nottingham Forest released him following a two-year stint in which he made 36 appearances. Last season, the 34-year-old Senegal international, who has 92 caps, started just two games and came off the bench 10 times, totaling 208 minutes as Forest managed to stay up.

With 291 Premier League appearances across spells at West Ham United, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest, Kouyaté would bring a wealth of experience to the Leeds group. His career also includes four league titles in Belgium and an African Cup of Nations victory with Senegal.

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