There are a few crucial areas of Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad that require strengthening in the summer as The 49ers look to provide the German with a squad capable of survival.

A new goalkeeper will be crucial and Leeds have already been linked with nine shot-stoppers ahead of the summer window. A left-back to replace Junior Firpo and a better option than Brenden Aaronson.

Getting better defenders and a top-quality goalkeeper in at Leeds will be key to shutting opposition out, but even more important than a new striker will be signing a no.10 that can create things out of nothing.

Aaronson struggled to do that last season, laying on just assists despite starting 44 of 46 Championship matches. Leeds need a no.10 that can do that, and £40m Emi Buendia is back on the radar at Elland Road.

Photo by Danehouse Photography Ltd/Getty ImagesPhoto by Danehouse Photography Ltd/Getty ImagesLeeds tried to sign Emi Buendia in January transfer window

In January, Farke made it clear he wanted a new attacking midfielder. Nothing arrived, but Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Buendia from Aston Villa in what would have been a reunion with Farke.

But Buendia did not want to jump down to the Championship and instead, joined Bayer Leverkusen for the second half of the season. Leverkusen have chosen not to activate the permanent clause for Buendia.

Farke even broke his own rule about commenting on other team’s players, saying he “really rates” the Argentine. Now, Ben Jacobs reports that Buendia remains a player of interest to the German manager.

“Gustavo Hamer could leave Sheffield United. Leeds retain an interest, and still like Emi Buendia. Everton have also enquired on Hamer. Sheffield United yet to receive any bids, but Hamer’s future one to watch.”

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The main obstacle in previous Buendia pursuit is now dead

It was made clear during the links between Buendia and Leeds last January that the former Norwich man did not want to join Leeds because they were still in the Championship. Well, Leeds are back at the top.

Leeds desperately need Buendia or a player like him and at this stage in his career, Buendia probably needs Leeds just as much. The chance to play Premier League football on a regular basis will be a priority.

Whether Leeds can get the right finances on the table for Buendia remains to be seen, but Leverkusen no longer want Buendia and Leeds remain interested. It feels like a no-brainer for all the parties involved.