Leeds United reach total agreement on £5.1m deal with Werder Bremen for Ilia Gruev, medical today - Sky Sports

Leeds have reached a "total agreement" with Werder Bremen to sign midfielder Ilia Gruev in a deal worth £5.1m, report Sky Sports Germany.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (31 August), journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that the player will undergo a medical with Leeds today ahead of completing a move before Friday's deadline.

The Whites will pay £5.1m including bonuses for the Bulgarian, joining Ethan Ampadu as a new midfield signing this summer with Glen Kamara also set to join from Rangers.

"Ilia Gruev on the verge to join Leeds United now!," he wrote.

"Total agreement with Werder Bremen. Medical today. Transfer fee: €6m (£5.1m) with bonus payments included."

Perfect

A bargain signing for a top international footballer that the manager identified as a key target. What more can you ask for?

Central midfield has been a problem position all summer after losing Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Marc Roca and Adam Forshaw from the squad that got relegated back in May.

Archie Gray's emergence has been a major boost for Daniel Farke but outside of him and Ampadu the options have been slim to none and it was an area of the pitch that desperately needed bolstering.

Gruev will come in alongside Kamara before Friday's deadline and immediately the strength of the squad will improve, and having finally picked up a win in the league we can start to look forward.

The squad is strong enough to really push for promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt, and Farke has been backed. Now they have to perform to their abilities.

In other Leeds news, fresh twist on Sinisterra's future as Europa League club stance emerges.