Three players should target Leeds United if Ilia Gruev completes shock transfer this summer

Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter were among those touted for an exit in the days immediately following the final, but Gruev was certainly not one you would have expected to leave.

However, it has been reported that Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are among the teams keen to sign him this summer and were even in attendance at Wembley.

Leeds are said to be open to offers of “a certain amount” and after paying around £5m to sign him just last summer, given his age and contract length, £10m+ could be a good deal.

If he were to leave, he would certainly leave Leeds in the market for a replacement and here are three they should take a look at.

Pierre Ewkah – Sunderland

Leeds could look to raid a Championship side for Gruev’s replacement, with Sunderland’s Pierre Ewkah fitting in as someone who could actually be an upgrade.

Ekwah is only 22 but has impressed in the Black Cats’ two Championship seasons since joining from West Ham United.

Having scored five goals last season, he would provide more of a goal threat than Gruev and is also someone who could play alongside Ethan Ampadu, unlike the Bulgarian.

Ewkah is also considerably more progressive when it comes to his passing. According to FBRef, Ewkah averages 6.45 passing yards per 90 compared to Gruev’s 4.36.

He also averages more shots per 90 (1.82 vs 0.3), although he is not as prolific defensively, with Gruev completing more interceptions and tackles in a game. However, with Ampadu by his side, that shouldn’t matter much. Ewkah would be a great option.

Kenny McLean – Norwich City

With the likes of Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling leaving this summer, Leeds need to add some experience to their squad.

McLean would certainly fit the bill and is considerably older than the aforementioned Gruev and Ekwah with over 500 career appearances at various levels.

The 32-year-old is someone Farke knows well from their time together at Norwich City, and Leeds even saw two bids rejected for him last summer.

Despite his age, McLean still remains in excellent condition as he played 90 minutes in all but two of Norwich’s Championship games last season.

He is also the Canaries’ club captain and would fill the void left by his Scotland international team-mate Cooper if he were to join.

Like Gruev, he is also left-handed and so would very much be a similar replacement in the middle of the park.

Albert Sambi Lokonga – Arsenal

Perhaps more of a left-field and ambitious option, but it would be a real statement of intent if Leeds could prize Albert Sambi Lokonga to the Championship.

Lokonga has already confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal this summer and it will be interesting to see what kind of club he gets.

He was part of the Luton Town side that were relegated from the Premier League last season as he made 17 appearances in total.

The 24-year-old has found it difficult since moving to Arsenal three years ago, but he is still young and can play as a holding midfielder as well as a box-to-box midfielder.

With 1.52 tackles per 90, he is someone who likes to dribble his way out of trouble, but in a poor Luton side, he also averaged more progressive passes per game than Gruev with 4.97.

It will be interesting to see what kind of fee Lokonga is available for this summer, given that he is not part of Mikel Arteta’s future plans at all.

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