Leeds United's free agent options: Ex-West Ham United and Southampton men available amid injury issues

Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev have formed his preferred duo, with the former finally back in midfield following the return of Pascal Struijk at centre-back.

Some fans have lamented the use of two defensively-minded midfielders, with the absence of an ‘eight’ or a ‘10’ supposedly suppressing the side’s attacking capabilities.

Ampadu limped out of Leeds’ win over Coventry City at the weekend, giving fans a look at a midfield tandem comprised of Gruev and Ao Tanaka.

The pair started at Carrow Road and many supporters had got what they had been asking for, albeit in circumstances accepted as far from ideal. 20 minutes in, the tables were turned completely.

Gruev was forced off with an injury, bringing Joe Rothwell in the fray to team up with Tanaka in a midfield no one could call conservative. Both impressed, even if the balance of the midfield sometimes appeared off-kilter.

The midfielder next in line to play is Charlie Crew, with his youthfulness a clear example of the depth issue Leeds now face. With Ampadu not expected back this calendar year and Gruev’s initial prognosis not promising, the Whites need Tanaka and Rothwell to stay fit.

Alternatively, the club could dip into the free agent market. The Yorkshire Post have taken a look at some of the market’s more pragmatic midfielders.

Jack Cork

The veteran is not a particularly glamorous option but October signings from the free agent market rarely get pulses racing.

A seasoned midfield anchor, he was a regular fixture for Burnley as they lifted the Championship title as recently as the 2022/23 campaign. The former Southampton star, now 35, was linked with Preston North End over the summer.

Christoph Kramer

The midfielder ranks a few notches higher on the glamour scale, as a former Germany international and veteran of the Bundesliga.

He worked under Daniel Farke at Borussia Mönchengladbach and arguably still has a lot more to give at 33.

Cheikhou Kouyate

After amassing nearly 300 appearances over the course of spells with West Ham United and Crystal Palace, Kouyate appeared a shrewd addition for Nottingham Forest in 2022.

It did not quite work out for the Senegal international at the City Ground and he is now unattached.

Francis Coquelin

It has been nearly a decade since Coquelin’s last appearance in the EFL, as an Arsenal prospect on loan at Charlton Athletic.

Spells with Valencia and Villareal followed his Gunners exit but the midfielder is now without a club at 33.

Jake Livermore

Leeds were among the clubs to take Livermore on loan when he was a young midfielder looking to make a name for himself at Tottenham Hotspur.

13 years on, he is a former England international with years of experience under his belt, but finds himself unattached. Again, the 34-year-old may not be the type of signing to get fans off their feet, but would add nous.

Josuha Guilavogui

Guilavogui boasts senior caps for France, as well as appearances in the top tiers of France, Germany and Spain. Even at 34, he would arguably be a coup for an array of Championship sides.

He has been a free agent since his Mainz departure was confirmed at the end of the 2023/24 season.