Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Cuisance emerges as latest Leeds United midfield option, according to reports

The Whites have been unable to reach agreement with Udinese in their pursuit of Rodrigo de Paul, and were linked with Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell at the weekend.

The newly-promoted Premier League side are looking for extra cover for 35-year-old Pablo Hernandez, who has completed 90 minutes only once since football went into its coronavirus lockdown in March.

Since Hernandez injured his groin in the warm-up for the game against Fulham, summer signing Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts have been chosen to fill the role, but in both matches one was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by the other. Rodrigo impressed as the substitute at Bramall Lane but was signed for a club record £27m more with a view to play at centre-forward.

With Patrick Bamford scoring in each of his first three games, the Spanish international has had to take opportunities elsewhere for now.

Cuisance was left out of Bayern’s squad for Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Hoffenheim and L’Equipe report he has held talks with Leeds about a possible £18m transfer. Newcastle United, Marseille and Nice are also said to be interested, but the Whites are thought to be favourites to sign the 21-year-old Frenchman.

Cuisance began his career in Nancy’s youth system before joining Borussia Moenchengladbach, where he became the youngest player to start a Bundesliga game for them, shortly after his 18th birthday.

The left-footer usually operates in an attacking midfield role, but has been limited to 11 senior appearances for Bayern since joining last summer, scoring his only goal in the final league match of last season.

Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa made no comment about reports of a £15m move for Cantwell, who impressed in last season’s Premier League. Cantwell was left out of Sunday’s game against Bournemouth for “dropping his standards” in training amid speculation about his future.

In addition to Rodrigo, Leeds have also signed centre-backs Robin Koch and Diego Llorente, who is yet to make his debut having only arrived from Real Sociedad last week, plus a host of development players.

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