Leeds shut in on former Atletico Madrid star on a free switch – as Daniel Farke targets cowl in defence and midfield amid damage woe

Leeds United are finalising terms with free agent and former Atletico Madrid midfielder, Joshua Guilavogui. 

The 34-year old has been at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training ground over the past week and has been photographed with supporters at Elland Road during Friday night’s game with Sheffield United while the club negotiated a proposed contract.

Leeds coach Daniel Farke wanted cover in defence and midfield after a succession of injuries to key figures Ethan Ampadu, Max Wober and Ilia Gruev, and hopes vastly experienced Guilavogui can provide that. 

The former France international has flirted with moves to England previously with a move to West Ham mooted earlier in his career. 

He appeared in the Bundesliga for Mainz last season and previously starred for Wolfsburg.  

One-time Atletico player Joshua Guilavogui is set to join Daniel Farke’s squad on Wednesday

Guilavogui has spent much of his playing career in Germany with stints at Wolfsburg and Mainz

Farke’s injury crisis at Elland Road has deepened across midfield and defensive positions 

He is expected to wrap up his contract details today ahead of being officially unveiled as Leeds look to maintain their promotion challenge in the Championship.

Farke said: ‘He would come in to be a back-up solution, to bring his experience and teach and educate our young players. 

‘He should come in with the attitude to improve them. If a young player is struggling with the pressure with playing for a club like Leeds United, to not crack, we need a player who has experience and this mentality.