Five Championship players Leeds United could target in the transfer market to solve Marcelo Bielsa's midfield problem

Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa's distaste for the January window means that Leeds United are unlikely to make a move in the closing stages of the current winter transfer market.

The Whites sporting director often points to the availability of players and that if you are to shop this month, then buyers are more than likely going to be forced to look at lower or alternative divisions in England and Europe.

Bielsa has insisted he is happy with the current state of his squad and since his arrival in West Yorkshire the number of success stories in bringing players in halfway through the season have been minimal, largely due to his strenuous training demands.

A common theme, however, over the last month in the Premier League and throughout the season has been United's lack of an alternative option in midfield.

At Newcastle United on Tuesday Bielsa made the surprising decision to drop Mateusz Klich to the bench and play Dallas in the middle, aiming for more defensive certainty in the box-to-box number eight role.

Bayern Munich's Michael Cuisance - who now plys his trade on loan at Marseille - had all but sealed a move to Elland Road last summer before Leeds pulled out of a deal at the eleventh hour.

Instead, United opted for Stade Rennes winger Raphinha on transfer deadline day and the change in tack left many believing Bielsa's squad were short in the middle.

Given the criteria Orta set out about scouting in the divisions below, we've taken a look at some of those in the Championship the Whites could target in the current or summer window to help solve their ongoing midfield problem.

Emi Buendia - Norwich City

Probably the most unlikely on this list.

If paper talk is to be believed then Arsenal are circling for Buendia's signature with Norwich putting the Gunners off until the coming summer.

Orta has long been an admirer of the midfielder's traits and looked at a deal for the Argentine before his move from La Liga outfit Getafe to the Canaries.

He had to settle for Championship football this season, but proved himself more than capable in the top flight during a relegation fight under Daniel Farke last season.

Seven goals, six assists this term and an energy that fits Bielsa's style - a costly option but the most Premier League ready one.

Ovie Ejaria - Reading

After leaving Liverpool for loans with Sunderland and Rangers, Ejaria has finally found a home with Reading where he turned his temporary switch permanent last year.

An attacking midfielder but can also play as a central midfielder, his critics say he lacks consistency and at 23 he would be a work in progress for Leeds.

He fits the Bielsa bill, though, ready to be moulded and trained into what Leeds require, having impressed against the Whites last season.

Two goals and four assists in 20 games help his cause.

Lewis Cook - AFC Bournemouth

They do say never go back, but Cook is an interesting option and one you can see fitting the Bielsa regime well.

Still only 23, his skill set fits exactly what Leeds require, with the Thorp Arch academy product being able to play in both central and defensive midfield.

A major injury halted his progress last season - with an England call-up beforehand - but he's started to show his best form once again with the Cherries.

Krystian Bielik - Derby County

Another who has previously been monitored by Leeds before his move from Arsenal to Derby County.

Bielik is the most defensive option on this list, being most comparable to Kalvin Phillips in the current Leeds squad.

With Derby's financial woes the Pole may be worth an inquiry at the very least. He can play as a defensive midfielder or at centre-back.

Todd Cantwell - Norwich City

Leeds were linked with Cantwell last summer but it was mostly fuelled by agent chatter.

He is, though, an interesting option if Leeds were to delve into the second division - more of a box-to-box than a few other options.

At 22 he has already a host of experience with the Canaries in both the Championship and the Premier League.

Two goals and two assists this season in 14 outings with Farke's men flying - another who could potentially be moulded by Bielsa's magic.