Leeds United have today been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp.
Skipp is reportedly a player of interest to Leeds if they need to enter the market for a new signing in the engine room, with a couple of their options having been linked with exits.
Ilia Gruev is on the radar of Borussia Dortmund and Leeds are said to be open to offers for the 24-year-old, though it will have to be for more than the £5 million they paid.
Archie Gray is also wanted by some of Europe’s elite clubs including Bayern Munich, and chairman Paraag Marathe could not commit either way when asked if he would be staying.
That said, Gray is happy to stay at Elland Road to continue his development, and so at this stage, Gruev seems the most likely out of the two for a departure.
What Skipp has previously said about Leeds boss Farke
Skipp would, of course, be a direct replacement for Gruev, with his best position just in front of the back four. That said, he is slightly more versatile in that he can also play as more of a number eight.
The Spurs man is well known to Daniel Farke from their time together at Norwich City, when Skipp played in 45 of their 46 league matches to help them to the Championship title.
Farke regards the the 23-year-old as a ‘top player’ and based on an interview for Spurs’ matchday programme soon after his return to the club, it would appear feelings are mutual.
Skipp was full of praise for the way Farke trusted him with so many minutes and believes he played a major role in creating ‘the player you see today’.
Via Football.London, he said: “It was a crucial time for me in terms of getting regular games. You go out on loan with the hope that you’ll be able to play a significant number of matches, but I didn’t go to Norwich with the feeling that I’d play 45 of the 46 games and that the season would go as well as it did.
“I’m so grateful to [Daniel Farke] and all the players, they all helped me settle in so easily, and then helped to create the player that you see today.”
Farke’s relationship with Skipp could help Leeds
Skipp hasn’t ever really been able to establish himself as a regular at Spurs since that loan spell under Farke at Carrow Road.
Just under half of his 106 appearances for Spurs have come as a substitute and he was certainly someway down Ange Postecoglou’s pecking order last season.
It may be difficult for Leeds to prise Skipp to the Championship this summer but one advantage they certainly do have is the relationship he has with Farke.
If Farke can persuade Skipp that Elland Road is the right place for him to get back to his best, it just may be a deal they can somehow pull off.