What Leeds’ promotion rivals are planning as ‘busy’ January transfer window looks likely

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The January transfer window is less than seven weeks away and what happens during the winter sales could end up having a significant impact on the Championship promotion race.

Leeds United are well placed to make a push for the top two and sit third in the table during the current international break, just two points back from Sunderland and Sheffield United, who occupy the automatic promotion spots.

Daniel Farke will be desperate to avoid the playoffs again following last season’s Wembley final heartache and the January window will present him with a final chance to make additions to his squad ahead of the run-in.

But the likes of Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough currently make up the chasing pack and may well see January as a time of opportunity to bolster their squads and turn up the heat in the race for the Premier League.

So who do Leeds need to be wary of when it comes to the January window?

Middlesbrough, Burnley, West Brom namechecked ahead of January transfer window

Given what is at stake and the astronomical financial rewards on offer for the three teams who make it out of the Championship this season, it looks like several promotion-chasers could be active.

That is the view of TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Leeds United News about what to expect in January, as he believes it won’t just be the current top four of Leeds, Sunderland, Sheffield United and Burnley who are busy.

“I wouldn’t rule out the Middlesbroughs and West Broms of this world, they’re very much in the mix,” he says. “I think Middlesbrough could make some efforts in January. I do know Boro are one of the teams Leeds don’t necessarily fear, but are looking over their shoulders at. Boro are strong on their day.

“They’re all going to be backed to a certain degree. The ones who got relegated are going to be backed. There’s pressure everywhere.”

Sunderland’s different transfer priority

Sunderland have been one of the surprises of the season so far and remain top of the league with 15 games played. But Bailey believes they will come at the transfer window from a different angle.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	SunderlandSunderland	15	9	4	2	25	11	14	31
2	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	15	10	3	2	19	7	12	31
3	LeedsLeeds	15	8	5	2	24	9	15	29
4	BurnleyBurnley	15	7	6	2	18	6	12	27
5	West BromWest Brom	15	6	7	2	16	9	7	25
6	WatfordWatford	15	8	1	6	23	22	1	25
7	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	15	7	3	5	23	17	6	24

“Sunderland aren’t going to be huge spenders, that’s not what they’re there for,” he continues. “The thing with Sunderland is losing players, if they carry on as they were, they won’t lose players which would be a big boost for them.”

This will be of interest for Leeds, who have been told Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin would be a ‘brilliant’ signing following recent transfer links.

“Sheffield United I think will invest, West Brom to a certain extent, Middlesbrough again to a certain extent,” Bailey adds. “But Leeds and Burnley need to do something to get into the top two. I think it’s going to be very competitive both on and off the field at the top.

“At this moment, they’re all keeping their cards close to their chest. None of them have glaring omissions. The opportunities are there for them, for sure.”

Leeds have already added to their squad ahead of the January window, with free agent midfielder Josuha Guilavogui signing last month.