Leeds United have set sights on Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi this summer as his contract expires.

Survival from relegation in the Premier League has to come before the 49ers formalise any transfer plans for the summer.

However, reports from Fabrizio Romano this week claimed that the Whites are eyeing Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi on a free transfer.

Out of contract in the summer, Doekhi would be available for nothing as Leeds face competition from Borussia Dortmund and PIF-backs Saudi Arabian clubs.

He’d be a smart free agent signing, in my opinion. And, he’s not the only player out of contract that United should be looking at. Here, I explore three others that could fill key gaps in Daniel Farke’s squad.

Daichi Kamada, midfielder – Crystal Palace

Further up the pitch, Leeds are going to need a pass-first midfielder that can break through the lines in the final third and connect our midfield to our attack.

We’ve often gone direct since this change in formation, and it’s worked. But, to become a more rounded side, someone that can offer us the middle ground would be ideal. That could be Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada.

Ao Tanaka’s Japan international teammate, Kamada has been a strong part of Oliver Glasner’s success at Selhurst Park, also playing in a three-at-the-back setup.

He’s used to playing in a high-pressing setup under Glasner and in the Bundesliga too, so should have no issues operating in this system.

Leeds might need to go out and sign an ambitious attacking midfielder. But, if Kamada is going for free and willing, he’d be a definite improvement on the options we have in that role.

Dennis Cirkin – left-back – Sunderland

Back in the defence, it’s obvious that a main weakness of our squad is the lack of left-footers. Gabriel Gudmundsson has been tremendous, as has been Pascal Struijk, but they’re our only two left-footed players in the defence.

Jayden Lienou is probably a loan or two away from being first team ready, so Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin would be a nice option.

He’s struggled with injury this season, meaning he’s only made 7 appearances under Regis Le Bris in the league. But, his first of the campaign was a strong display against us at the Stadium of Light.

As an understudy to Gudmundsson, Cirkin could provide Leeds with similar thrust as the Swede while ensuring we don’t run him into the ground.

Xaver Schlager, midfielder – RB Leipzig

Finishing off in midfield, there’s scope for Leeds perhaps improving on the backup options behind Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach. Both are both top-half quality and guaranteed starters.

I wonder if Ilia Gruev’s season-ending knee injury means we’ve seen the last of him in a Leeds shirt. If the club get a decent fee for him with 12 months left on his contract, he could be someone we wish well and replace shrewdly. RB Leipzig’s Xaver Schlager may be worth having a look at.

Injuries are probably what stops him from having top clubs vying for his signature. But, that could suit Leeds like it did Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor. As a squad option, he wouldn’t be forced into playing 90 minutes every week.

In terms of profile, he’s a left-footer that likes to operate in front of the defence, breaking play and also carrying the ball consistently well.

At 28, he’s another that’s at a good age for Leeds. He’d come to Elland Road at a ‘peak’ age to add quality and experience to the squad.

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