Leeds: Farke keen on two additions as Whites close in on Chelsea flop Buonanotte
Leeds could offer a lifeline to the Argentine
Daniel Farke is eager to strengthen his squad in January but has not commented on reports Leeds United are closing in on a deal for Facundo Buonanotte.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder terminated his season-long loan at Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday, having failed to make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge.
Buanonotte almost joined the West Yorkshire club on deadline day last September before opting to join Chelsea instead.
Asked about the Argentine before Saturday’s home game with Fulham, Farke said he would not confirm anything apart from 17-year-old forward Harry Gray’s loan move to third-tier Rotherham United for the rest of the season.
“I never speak about speculation and rumours,” added Farke. “I can tell you in general about our thoughts and what we want to do, but also looking at whether there’s a possibility to strengthen our squad in January
“In terms of incomings and outgoings I can’t confirm anything apart from what we have from yesterday, the loan of Harry Gray, but apart from this, nothing to speak about today.”
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We’re on a good path, says Leeds boss Farke
Leeds have lost one of their last nine games in all competitions but Farke admitted he would like to bolster his attack
“We spoke in the summer very openly about what we want to do,” he said. “We wanted to do more in the offense, in the creative number 10 or winger position, and then on the last day we missed out.
“Nevertheless, we have developed really well as a group and we’re on a good path. We’ve progressed into the [fourth] round of the FA Cup [and] on [a] Premier League level we’re on a good path.
“We have a good, capable group that we trust. We could do something if we think ‘okay, this player would improve our squad’ – say a character who fits in. We won’t risk anything that will risk our spirit.
“We had a big turnaround in the summer and we have done really well to bring six players in and send six out.
“We definitely won’t extend the group because I think we have proper players and won’t extend it to 30 outfield players. There is always space for one, perhaps two, three positions.”
Farke a fan of Wilson
Leeds will come up against another former target at the weekend in the Cottagers’ Harry Wilson.
Leeds’ loss has been Fulham’s gain with the Wales international scoring seven times and adding four assists in 20 Premier League appearances this season.
“Harry Wilson is a really good player and has played a fantastic season,” said Farke, calling the 28-year-old’s goals return “impressive”.
“I’ve watched him for many years, from my time at Norwich, I tried to sign him there, one season on loan – [but it] was not meant to be.”
Leeds, who are 16th and eight points ahead of third-bottom West Ham, could be at full strength on Saturday with Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle all back in training.