Leeds United staff block free transfer deal – Sources

After Cheikhou Kouyate failed his physical, Leeds United withdrew from the agreement to sign him on a free transfer, according to MOT Leeds News.

The former midfielder for West Ham and Crystal Palace has been linked to a move to Elland Road in recent weeks in order to compensate for injuries sustained by Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu.

The 34-year-old undertook medical testing at Thorp Arch this week, but MOT Leeds News has learned that Leeds’ medical department failed to give him the all-clear, which prevented any possibility of a deal moving forward.

After departing Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract last summer, Kouyate is currently a free agent. However, given this most recent event, it appears that he will continue without a club.

The midfielder would have covered for the Whites’ injuries, which have been a major setback for Daniel Farke’s team lately.

It will be devastating to lose the two starting midfielders at Elland Road, and it will put more pressure on players like Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell.

As it looks like a deal for Kouyate is off, the German manager’s squad will be thin in the upcoming days, weeks, and months.

The Whites need a well-rounded roster with viable options because they aim to be promoted to the Premier League at the end of the current campaign.