Leeds United chief executive lays out Whites priority and policy for January transfer window

The Whites chief executive anticipates the usual media speculation over potential transfer window activity, but says Leeds are not planning for a busy January in the market.

Elland Road decision makers believe that the squad Marcelo Bielsa has worked with and improved since his arrival in the summer of 2018, along with the players signed in the previous window, is of sufficient depth and strength to achieve the club's aim.

"As the festive schedule gathers pace the media's attention will turn to the January window and the frenzy of speculation around the hunt for the elusive 'season changing' player will intensify," he said, in his matchday programme notes for today's game against Cardiff City.

"While Victor's [Orta, director of football] scouting team are as close to the market as ever, we will prioritising not disrupting the stability of the existing squad versus gambling on any introductions.

"We believe the continuity that the current squad have in working with Marcelo for 18 months is the cornerstone of the progress we have made to date and that the players' ability to adapt across positions and systems gives us the strength in depth required to see out the campaign."

Kinnear says the club will only act if they are forced into the market.

"The only exception will be if we have to cover for an unexpected injury, unwanted departure or an improbable exceptional opportunity presents itself," he added.

Leeds could face the possibility of a pair of departures in January, if the parent clubs of Jack Clarke and Eddie Nketiah elect to recall them.

Spurs' winger Clarke has made one Championship appearance, as a substitute, while Nketiah is yet to start a league game for the Whites.

Bielsa has put on record his belief that Nketiah will have a big say in what happens next month, suggesting the striker will stay if he feels comfortable at Elland Road.