Leeds United’s summer transfer business is expected to kick up a notch from next week as preparations continue for their Premier League return. Free agent striker Lukas Nmecha and £15million centre-back Jaka Bijol are through the doors at Elland Road already but recruitment chiefs have plenty still to do before the September 1 deadline.
Daniel Farke will expect reinforcements across the board with priority given to improving the level of physicality in his current crop - something the additions of Nmecha and Bijol have certainly achieved - albeit some positions are more urgent than others. First-choice additions at goalkeeper, left-back, central midfield and striker are a must, although few roles are immune from strengthening.
Leeds look to have missed out on midfield target Habib Diarra but have plenty of alternatives, while there is still hope first-choice targets can be landed elsewhere. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up what a dream line-up might look like, if those targets are landed.
7. CDM: Anton Stach
The 6ft 4ins German was considered one of the Bundesliga's best midfielders last season already looks comfortable and a real step up in quality. Played in a more box-to-box role so far this season but can just as comfortably drop in alongside Ampadu. | Getty Images
8. RW: Bilal El Khannouss
Still a Leicester player going into deadline day but expected to attract plenty of interest and still on Leeds' radar, with attacking creativity needed. Leicester thought to want around £35m, so the question is whether Elland Road chiefs would be willing to stump up the cash. Would link up brilliantly with the overlapping Bogle if indeed he is signed. | Getty Images
9. CAM: Eduard Spertsyan
Named as a possible 'focus' for Leeds before Monday's deadline by The Athletic and would certainly add creativity. The 25-year-old Armenian international already has four goals and seven assists in six games this season and is expected to make the step up to a top European league imminently. Valued by Transfermarkt at around £22m. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LW: Noah Okafor
Leeds confirmed the £18m signing of Okafor earlier this week and with El Khannouss on the right, Farke needs a direct runner down the left for balance, which is why the Swiss international gets the nod over Willy Gnonto in this particular team. Been in the goals throughout pre-season and will hope to replicate that form in Leeds colours. Photo: David Price
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Fitness is the obvious caveat but Calvert-Lewin has proven an excellent Premier League-level striker during nine years at Everton, and has got in some great positions so far this season. With proper service from the likes of El Khannouss and Spertsyan, the 28-year-old could thrive. | Getty Images