Daniel Farke is a ‘big fan’ of Leeds United midfielder Ilia Gruev.

That is what Phil Hay said while discussing Leeds’ depth in the midfield on the most recent episode of the Square Ball Podcast.

Gruev was acquired last month on the eve of the transfer deadline from Bundesliga team Werder Bremen in a transaction estimated to be worth £5 million.

The 23-year-old’s interest is thought to have been sparked by Leeds manager Farke, who led Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany’s top division last season.

Gruev was unable to make his Leeds debut against Sheffield Wednesday the last time around because of visa complications, unlike Glen Kamara and Djed Spence.

Farke a ‘big fan’ of Leeds signing Gruev

However, Gruev is in the running to make his debut at Millwall after Hay revealed that Farke is a “big fan” of the Bulgarian international.

That would have to be the call, he said. Ilia Gruev is a favorite of Farke, who fervently desired to hire him. He must make a choice now on which of these four people has his favor the most.

“Ampadu has looked really good, and it seems like he could play the whole game,” said the observer. He appears to fit the description of a player who hasn’t yet established himself in the Premier League but who is at least as good as Championship level.

Ethan Ampadu, Archie Gray, Kamara, and Gruev are all battling for two slots in center midfield, so Farke has a tremendously difficult decision to make.

Despite Kamara and Gruev just being bought in the waning hours of the transfer window, Gray and Ampadu have started all seven games in all competitions this season.

It will be a difficult choice for Farke because Kamara will give Leeds a new dimension in possession but Gruev is more likely to give the midfield more defensive solidity.