Leeds United are closing in on at least two deals before the transfer window closes
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke refused to be drawn on transfer speculation linking his club with two deals expected to go through in the next 24 hours, but did drop a big clue he’s confident of welcoming the additions to the club.
Leeds are widely expected to be close to completing a deal for Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka, with St. Gallen defender Isaac Schmidt also earmarked as a second signing which could quickly follow later tonight, or more likely tomorrow on transfer deadline day.
Never one to be drawn on players, Farke sidestepped questions regarding Tanaka in particular while holding his weekly press conference. The Leeds boss did, however, reinforce the two positions Leeds were trying to fill and admitted he expects deals to be done.
“I just speak about players who are under contract for us and I always respect players under contracts at other clubs. We have confirmed two signings this week for us and made clear which position we want to strengthen,” said Farke.
“There’s not much time left but I hope and expect there will be some business in the next couple of days. We definitely need a midfield addition and a full-back addition. These are definitely the areas.”
Asked whether he expects any further departures ahead of Friday night’s 11pm deadline, Farke added; “We are not tempted at all to give any of our players away. We have a pretty small group and we are looking to strengthen the squad not weaken it.”
Leeds hope to conclude a deal today for Tanaka, who could be unveiled this evening, while the club will work on securing a right-back (Schmidt) and possibly one further addition if possible, thought to be in an attacking area.