Ilia Gruev shares honest answer amid Leeds United exit talk

Ilia Gruev is moving into the summer off the back of a difficult campaign with Leeds United.

The Bulgaria international featured for the first time in the Premier League since moving to Elland Road.

He joined the Whites in the Championship and had a positive impact when he was available to Daniel Farke.

Injuries have taken a toll on his time in Yorkshire and have reduced him to just 51 appearances in the past two season.

Only 23 of those came in the Premier League as other options were utilised in the middle of the park last season.

That doesn't appear to have impacted Gruev's mentality as he looks to the summer and beyond.

Ilia Gruev bats away Bundesliga return question

The 26-year-old's future has been questioned in LS11 due to his lack of availability.

He was an unused 12 times throughout the season, while being unavailable for a further six.

His performances haven't been too great when the chance has come, but that can't be a surprise with the stop-start nature of his campaign.

If he were to discuss a departure over the summer there wouldn't be much surprise, although he isn't thinking that way.

Speaking in an interview with his former side Werder Bremen, he was asked whether he would like to return to the Bundesliga, but Gruev didn't give in to the speculation.

He said: "You can always imagine anything. But I have to say that I really appreciate the Premier League and I really enjoy playing here. Of course, I still follow the Bundesliga, but my focus is on the league in England."

Gruev should be awarded for Leeds United loyalty

After such a difficult few years in LS11, the Bulgarian wouldn't be blamed for wanting a new challenge.

With the likes of Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu doing so well, minutes are always going to be at a premium for other midfield options.

That hasn't knocked Gruev and he is still showing signs that he wants to fight and better Farke's side.

He adds in the interview with Werder Bremen that he wants Leeds "to become an established Premier League club again", which seems to be his main goal right now.

That sort of mentality could be the perfect reason to give him a new contract as his current deal runs out at the end of next season.

Leeds needs players who want to play at Elland Road and it is clear that Gruev fits the bill.