Leeds United are tracking a new playmaker ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window, but will face competition from several Premier League sides including Newcastle United.
Farke optimistic despite Okafor injury
Leeds travel to face Aston Villa on Saturday with the chance to put even more daylight between themselves and the bottom three, but will have to do so without a key member of the squad.
Noah Okafor has suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for a few weeks, but it is better news on Anton Stach, Pascal Struijk and Dan James, who have all returned to full training.
Daniel James
"You have to deal with injuries. Each and every club has it," Farke said before the trip to Villa Park.
"We are in the top two for physical output in the league - we always have to invest more than the opponent - so yes, sometimes there's a knock or stretch of the muscle and we have to deal with it. We are in a really good position, with only Okafor out. At this stage of February, overall it is not too bad."
The Leeds boss also warned his squad that Aston Villa will be up for a battle after their defeat to Newcastle in the FA Cup last weekend.
"If you have to go there, you need a top, top performance."
The Whites are six points clear of the relegation zone before the weekend's action, and can now start to consider their summer plans, with a striker and goalkeeper said to be of top priority.
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They are also in the market for a new number ten having signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan in January but without any option or obligation to buy, and progress is now being made in that department.
Leeds tracking Newcastle target Bilal El Khannouss
Indeed, Leeds chiefs are now tracking the progress of Bilal El Khannouss, who has been thriving on loan from Leicester at VfB Stuttgart.
Newcastle have long been linked with El Khannouss, but a new report from SportsBoom reveals it is Leeds, Crystal Palace and Tottenham in the driving seat, with 49ers Enterprises now ahead of the Magpies' mega rich Saudi PIF owners in the race for his signature.
The Morocco international scored twice in Stuttgart's 4-1 win at Celtic in the Europa League this week, taking his tally in the competition to five in just eight appearances.
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Scout Jacek Kulig has poured praise on the 21 year-old's start to life in Germany, labelling him "pure quality".
Leeds are expected to spend around £100m on new signings this summer, according to The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan, and Leicester's precarious position near the bottom of the Championship could put El Khannouss on the bargain block.
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The Villans are braced for a crucial clash.