Portsmouth rivals Leeds United turn to free-agent World Cup winner to ease midfield problems

With engine-room duo Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both expected to be out until the new year with respective knee injuries, Elland Road boss Daniel Farke has reportedly been looking closely at experienced Germany international Cristoph Kramer in training prior to their game against Sheffield United tonight.

According to Football Insider, Leeds have turned to the defensive midfielder after a move for former Crystal Palace player Cheikhou Kouyate fell through following a failed medical. Kramer’s available on a free transfer after parting company with Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer after 10 years.

The 33-year-old featured more than 240 times for Gladbach, whom Farke managed prior to his switch to Leeds in July 2023. And he’ll certainly provide the Whites with some much-need nous and experience in the middle of the park at this difficult time as they look to improve their current position of fifth in the Championship table.

The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has bags of experience from operating in the Bundesliga. He also had the honour of starting for Germany against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil - a game the 12-times-capped midfielder was withdrawn from during the first half after suffering concussion.

Farke - who witnessed his side held to a 3-3 draw by Pompey on the opening day of the season - is reportedly someone who is reluctant to dip into the free agents market during the season. But with his midfield options limited, a move for Kramer is something he’s believed to be actively exploring.

Both Ampadu and Gruev started that game against the Blues at Elland Road. Since then Leeds have won four, drawn three and lost one of their eight games as they sit three points off current leaders Sunderland. However, victory against the second-placed Blades tonight could see them leapfrog both and go top ahead of the Black Cats’ trip to Hull on Sunday.

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As for Pompey, they remain winless in the Championship and sit second-from-bottom in the table ahead of their trip to QPR on Saturday.

Like Leeds, the Blues have also had injuries to contend with. But free agents is not something they’ve considered to date - despite central defensive duo Ibane Bowat (out for season) and Conor Shaughnessy (missing since mid-August and not expected back until December) giving them headaches at the back.

Both are out of the weekend trip to Loftus Road alongside Jacob Farrell and Colby Bishop. Meanwhile, Callum Lang and Kusini Yengi remain doubts for the fixture in the capital despite returning to training over the international break.