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.
19. Sub: Joel Piroe
An automatic pick in the first team as part of a front pairing with Rutter but on the bench given the form of Bamford upon his return to the side. A no 10 or no 9 option. Photo: George Wood
20. Sub: Mateo Joseph
Farke likes to have plenty of attacking options on his bench which would possibly give young striker Joseph the call on a strongest bench but Ian Poveda and Joe Gelhardt are other options. Charlie Cresswell is the obvious call if Farke wants another defensive option. And not forgetting Stuart Dallas who would clearly enter the equation but is still recovering from his femoral fracture. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo