Werder Bremen have confirmed that Ilia Gruev missed training on Wednesday due to ‘talks with other clubs’ following reports of a £4 million move to Championship team Leeds United.
According to The Athletic, Farke is a fan of the £4 million-rated Ilia Gruev.
Leeds have reportedly ‘made an approach’. And, in a move that is certain to set tongues a-wagging in and around Elland Road, Werder Bremen have since confirmed via their official website that Gruev was conspicuous by his absence from training as he holds talks over a move to an as-yet unnamed suitor.
Leeds United make move for Ilia Gruev
“In Wednesday’s training session, Ole Werner will have to do without five of his players,” the statement reads. “Oliver Burke and and Ilia Gruev are not training because both players are in contract talks with other clubs.”
It remains to be seen where Burke, formerly of West Brom, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, ends up next. Gruev, meanwhile, could add some much-needed depth to a Leeds midfield which has become somewhat uncomfortably reliant upon the precious playmaking talents of a 17-year-old Archie Gray at the start of the Farke era.
Capped eight times by Bulgaria, 6ft 1ins Gruev will add height and strength to the Leeds engine room. He was in and out of the Werder Bremen XI in 2022/23 but has played just three out of a possible 180 minutes so far this season.
Highly versatile, Gruev has been utilised in a number of different roles by the Bundesliga outfit. He has impressed as a deep-lying number six, as a more box-to-box player, and even in defence. A
