The January transfer window has now been open for 30 days, in which two first-team squad members have departed. Tottenham loanee Djed Spence was firstly sent back to his parent club before being loaned back out to Genoa and Luke Ayling was then given the green light to make the loan switch to Middlesbrough in search of more game time.
A permanent departure from Elland Road was then completed on Tuesday afternoon as young defender Leo Hjelde sealed a switch to Sunderland. Hjelde’s exit followed loan departures for fellow youngsters Darko Gyabi (Plymouth Argyle), Lewis Bate (MK Dons) and Jeremiah Mullen (Inverness Caledonian Thistle). The youngsters were all on the fringes of the first team squad but Ayling and Spence were very much in the reckoning to be part of a best XI and bench, even upon everybody being fully fit.
Leeds have not had that luxury due to injuries of late but, here, we run through our idea of United’s strongest team and nine-man substitutes bench, which may or may not change before Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
7. CM: Glen Kamara
Ilia Gruev has been very impressive upon finally getting his big chance due to injuries but Kamara probably still gets the nod next to Ampadu in a strongest side but a hard call given Gray's natural position too. Photo: George Wood
8. LW: Crysencio Summerville
Star man on 12 goals and seven assists. Top of the list of players Leeds need to keep. Photo: George Wood
9. RW: Dan James
End product was always a big question mark but ten goals and six assists has been the perfect answer to that. Photo: George Wood
10. ACM: Georginio Rutter
Record signing who has lit up the Championship and sits on five goals and nine assists - and could be on much more. United's main no 9 choice for a while but almost certainly at no 10 now in a best XI. Photo: George Wood
11. ST: Patrick Bamford
Back with a bang with four goals in his last five starts and has to be first choice to lead the line in that form. Photo: George Wood
12. Sub: Karl Darlow
Brought in as competition for Illan Meslier and back-up stopper but strongly challenged by Kristoffer Klaesson who has impressed when called upon. Photo: George Wood