Daniel Farke will be well aware that Leeds United’s lack of movement in the previous January transfer window contributed to Leeds failing to get over the line in last season’s race for automatic promotion.
Leeds only signed Connor Roberts when three or four signings might have been advised. Ipswich Town made a number of mid-season additions and it did the trick, Kieran McKenna’s side now in the top tier.
Leeds were forced to go through the play-offs and eventually suffered defeat to Southampton in the final at Wembley. The Whites failed to bring in strength in depth and ultimately, Farke’s men paid the price.
Farke will be hopeful Leeds do not make the same mistake in January this time around, with the club in need of competition for Brenden Aaronson and perhaps a couple of others in order to strengthen depth.
James McAtee to speak with Pep Guardiola after Leeds links
Angus Kinnear confirmed James McAtee was a target for Leeds in the summer, and now, McAtee is being linked with Leeds again. Leeds are one of 12 clubs eyeing McAtee, along with five Premier League sides.
Having already spent a season on loan in the Premier League, and now getting the odd game here and there for City in the Premier League and Champions League, going back to the Championship is unlikely.
But Give Me Sport say the £20m ace is set for showdown talks with Guardiola ahead of the window in order to ascertain whether he is in Guardiola’s plans, and to understand what his game time will be like.
The report states that McAtee is likely to remain at City, with Guardiola blocking a move for McAtee in the summer. However, it also states that McAtee could leave The Etihad if he is tempted by a new proposal.
Leeds will not be able to afford permanent James McAtee signing
The England U21 skipper is rated at a fee of £20m and the chances of Leeds paying that in January while they are a Championship club is unlikely. Leeds would much prefer to sign a player like McAtee on loan.
But with Premier League clubs, and foreign sides in European competition – like Stuttgart and Girona – showing interest, Leeds stand little chance of a deal for the £15,000 a week Manchester City playmaker.
Leeds do need a no.10 though with Brenden Aaronson lacking competition. Graham Smyth expects Leeds to try and sign a player in that position, having not brought in a replacement for Georginio Rutter yet.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
