Leeds United-linked midfielder Emi Buendia has emerged as a transfer target for Bayer Leverkusen. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg says the Bundesliga club are exploring a loan deal for the Aston Villa man.

Plettenberg posted on his X account: "Leverkusen considering a loan with an option buy. Villa demanding an obligation option. Another club is also in the race for him. Buendia could replace Martin Terrier who will miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury."

Buendia, who has also been linked with a move to Besiktas, has fallen out-of-favour at Villa Park. The 28-year-old has struggled for game time and Villa boss Unai Emery has previously stated he would not stand in the the attacking midfielder's way if he wants to leave the club in the January transfer window in pursuit of regular first team football. Buendia is contracted to the Premier League club until the summer of 2026 but Emery suggested the Argentine could be loaned out for the remainder of the season.

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It is no secret Buendia was a player of interest to United last summer. Farke was left frustrated over their inability to sign a new No 10 to replace Georginio Rutter and compete with Brenden Aaronson for a starting berth.

Farke is a big fan of Buendia, having worked closely with the player at Norwich City. When asked about transfer links to Buendia after the recent win over Sheffield Wednesday, Farke said: “I never comment about players under contract for other teams. I wouldn't expect another manager to make a comment about my players. If he's not in a white shirt or a yellow shirt we don't speak about them. We just speak about business when it's done.

"I think he [Emery] just spoke in general about this, the door is perhaps open. I've also read the comments because I'm interested in football and also the Premier League. I think he just spoke in general and he has not said the door is open for Leeds United, he's said it's open for a loan.

“Obviously I've worked with Emi Buendia in former years, he was one of my best players, I really rate him but I don't comment on the situation of a player right now playing for a different side.”