FORMER Arsenal star Francis Coquelin could be set for a surprise return to England with Leeds United.
The French defensive midfielder, 33, has been unemployed since Spanish club Villarreal released him in June.
However, Sun Sport understands that Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds are weighing-up whether to offer the two-time FA Cup and 2021 Europa League winner a short-term deal at Elland Road.
Boss Daniel Farke has lost midfield duo Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev to long-term knee injuries and wants back-up for Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell.
Coquelin is open to a move to Leeds but he faces competition for a contract from a number of other free agents.
Ex-West Ham United man Cheikhou Kouyate has been training with Leeds during the international break.
The 34-year-old has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest in the summer.
But the delay in snapping up the experienced Senegal man suggests that Farke is still looking elsewhere.
And we understand that has led to him inviting Coquelin to work with his squad at Thorp Arch along with other potential free agents.
Farke remained tight-lipped when pressed for an update, although he did confirm he was looking at several potential signings.
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Speaking at the pre-match press conference before Friday’s clash with Sheffield United, he said: “I never confirm any names and won’t speak about players who aren’t under contract.
“It would not be professional. I just speak about our players. I can speak in general about the situation.
“It’s a pretty special and unique situation, we had a small group anyway before the injuries to Ethan and Ilia.
“We’ve decided to have a deeper look into the free agent market. We had some guests in the last days here at Thorp Arch to have a deeper look on it.”
On the ideal player he hopes to snap up, Farke added: “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. This is what we’re searching for.
“It’s not easy but we have a few ideas and I’m carefully optimistic that we’ll have the chance to bring a good solution in the coming days or coming two weeks.”
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