Francis Coquelin heads to Thorp Arch with ‘surprise’ Leeds United transfer lined up
Leeds United are mulling over a “surprise” transfer move for free agent Francis Coquelin, according to The Sun.
The newspaper reported via its website on Wednesday (16 October) that the Whites are considering handing Coquelin as a short-term deal at Elland Road.
It is understood that the 33-year-old is open to joining the Yorkshire-based club and has already been invited to train with the squad at Thorp Arch after his contract at Villarreal ended at the end of last season.
Signing Francis Coquelin better than alternative for Leeds United
Coquelin has notably emerged as an option for Leeds after Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were sidelined with long-term injuries, with Daniel Farke confirming that decisions over any free transfers will be made by the end of the month.
Cheikhou Kouyate has also been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road over the international break, but that deal is now understood to be off, although The Sun claims that he has been training at Thorp Arch.
There have been claims that Leeds are prepared to wait until January to bring in a midfielder after Kouyate reportedly failed a medical, but signing Coquelin is definitely a better option.
Farke’s side play 15 Championship games between now and the end of the year and heading into that period without enough midfield options is a huge risk.
It is worth noting that Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell are Leeds’ only available senior central midfielders and any injuries to them could land Farke in serious trouble.
The fixtures between now and the end of the season could determine the club’s promotion chances and this is why signing Coquelin, who has had Premier League experience with Arsenal, is a sensible option for the Whites.
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