Leeds United could make as many as three new signings with less than two weeks of the window remaining.
The Whites are yet to make their first foray into the market but as was the case in the summer, are willing to be patient in order to land their priority transfer targets.
Under Daniel Farke’s own admission, left-back is an area they have been looking at since before the window even opened, while the other side of defence is now equally as important, having lost Djed Spence and Luke Ayling.
A new right-footed left-winger is also a position seemingly on the agenda having been linked to a couple of players who very much fit that profile.
So, with that in mind, we have put together a starting XI of how Leeds could line-up, if they land their targets.
Goalkeeper
Leeds had been linked with Spezia shot-stopper Bartlomiej Dragowski this month but any deal was reportedly reliant on Illan Meslier leaving, which never seemed likely at this stage of the season.
As a result, Meslier remains number one.
Defence
Centre-back is another area that could be strengthened if Charlie Cresswell leaves, but anyone who does come in will be playing second fiddle to a partnership of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
At right-back, Leeds have been linked to a number of potential targets, including Neco Williams, Ben Johnson and Connor Roberts. At the moment, the latter feels the most likely, with Burnley open to a sale, and the player keen on a move to Elland Road.
On the other flank, Leeds are reportedly ready to challenge Cardiff City to the loan signing of Luton Town’s Ryan Giles. He provided 12 assists at Middlesbrough in the Championship last season, and could also start, with Junior Firpo and Sam Byram having their minutes managed carefully.
Midfield
The centre of the park is where Leeds are looking really strong on bodies at the moment, with four players all equally as capable of starting every week.
So far this season, though, Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara has very much been Daniel Farke’s partnership of choice.
Ilia Gruev and Archie Gray are both incredible players to have in reserve, with the latter also likely to be starting regularly at right-back as well, even if another one does come in.
Attack
In attack, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville are two of the first names on the team sheet, having been exceptional this season.
At the moment, Patrick Bamford gets the nod over Joel Piroe thanks to a run of three goals in as many matches since his first start of the campaign on New Year’s Day.
Dan James, meanwhile, has been superb this season, but you can’t help feeling the balance of the team would be better with a left-footer there. Manuel Benson and David Brooks have been linked, but the former gets the nod here.
James, alongside Willy Gnonto, Piroe and Jaidon Anthony all represent unbelievable depth at this level coming off the bench.
Predicted Leeds XI on Jan 1: Meslier; Roberts, Rodon, Struijk, Giles; Ampadu, Kamara; Benson, Rutter, Summerville; Bamford
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