Leeds United staff block free transfer deal — MOT Leeds News 17/10/24

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Max Wilkins

Leeds United have pulled out of a deal to sign Cheikhou Kouyate on a free transfer after failing his medical, MOT Leeds News understands.

The former West Ham and Crystal Palace midfielder had been linked with a move to Elland Road to cover for injuries suffered by Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev in recent weeks.

The 34-year-old underwent medical tests at Thorp Arch this week but MOT Leeds News understands Leeds’ medical staff blocked any chance of a deal proceeding after failing to give him the all-clear.

Kouyate is currently a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract last summer but looks set to remain without a club after this latest development.

The midfielder would have provided cover for injuries for the Whites which have hit Daniel Farke’s side hard in recent weeks.

Losing the two starting midfielders at Elland Road is certainly going to be a blow and will pile pressure on the likes of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell.

A move for Kouyate appears to be off which will certainly leave the German manager’s squad light in the coming weeks and months.

With the Whites having promotion to the Premier League in their sights for the end of the season, having a balanced squad with positive options is needed.

It is unclear how Farke will find this balance but it seems clear that the Senegalese midfielder won’t be part of it.

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