Leeds United are unlikely to secure the free transfer signing of midfielder Christoph Kramer, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Writing on their website [5 October], the news outlet reported Kramer is expected to reject an approach from the Whites as the player is instead opting to remain in his native Germany.
Daniel Farke has been left thin in midfield after news emerged Ilia Gruev will face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Ethan Ampadu is confirmed to be sidelined with a knee injury for up to 10 weeks.
Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka deputized in midfield for the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Friday [4 October] and are the two only available senior centre-midfield options at Farke’s disposal.
Where do Leeds United go from here?
It appears a game of smoke and mirrors is emerging from Elland Road with Farke seemingly in the free-agent market, despite downplaying the idea only a few days ago.
An important decision is facing Leeds amid the ongoing injury crisis. While a free-agent signing at this stage of the season would arguably not improve the side in the long-term, it would be negligence not to pursue the market for a short-term solution.
Given the intense fixture schedule of the Championship, relying on only two senior options at centre-midfield is not sustainable. There is no guarantee Rothwell and Tanaka can remain match-fit until Ampadu and Gruev return to the side.
Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev [Credit: Imago]Kramer, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, would have been an ideal stop-gap and perhaps even an improvement. Even at 33, the midfielder has over a decade of Bundesliga experience with Borussia Monchengladbach.
With no remaining alternatives in sight, Leeds are in dangerous territory. The draw with Sunderland further proved the current crop of players cannot compete against their promotion rivals, and there is a real worry at Elland Road that the Whites could fall off the pace in the race for promotion.
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