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Leeds United will be top of the Championship when the January transfer window opens on Wednesday, having leapfrogged Sheffield United following Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Derby County. Daniel Farke’s side were the only top-eight outfit to pick up all three points over the weekend and are now two clear going into the New Year.
Farke is expecting a quiet window in West Yorkshire and while few supporters have been demanding an influx of mid-season arrivals, there is an appetite for one or two. There is also interest in a few of their own star players, but major exits are not expected partway through a promotion campaign.
Leeds are pretty well set to mount another Championship promotion push between now and May but a smart signing or two could prove the difference. And with all that in mind, the YEP has attempted to draw up a dream starting line-up, if those January rumours are true.
7. CM: Ao Tanaka
Typically classy against Cardiff on Saturday and has been almost faultless since earning a first start at Norwich City in October. Got a couple of goals under his belt too. Looks an absolute bargain at £3.5m. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
8. RW: Dan James
Amid intense competition, James has singled himself out as Leeds' best attacker so far this season and put in a near-perfect performance against Cardiff. One goal, two assists and a rare 9.5 rating from YEP chief football writer Graham Smyth. Arguably in the form of his life at the minute. | Getty Images
9. CAM: Eduard Spertsyan
The 24-year-old Armenian international emerged as a possible target via Russian media on Saturday, with Daniel Farke reportedly keen on reuniting with a player he coached at Krasnodar. Creative No.10 has nine goal contributions in 18 Russian Premier League games this season and is valued at £17million on Transfermarkt. Has previously been linked to the likes of Manchester City, PSG and Celtic. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LW: Manor Solomon
A rusty start to life in Yorkshire has been fully shaken off, with Solomon rivalling James as Leeds' most in-form winger currently. Effective against Cardiff to bag his third goal in four games, and proving an excellent example of why recruitment chiefs leave it late to do their transfer business. | Getty Images
11. ST: Cameron Archer
Leeds will persist with interest in Archer after seeing a loan approach rejected by Southampton earlier this week. There is hope a domino-effect might allow the Saints to land a late target of their own, therefore opening the door for Leeds to sign the 23-year-old. Struggled a bit in the Premier League but has an excellent goalscoring record at Championship-level for Middlesbrough and Preston. | Getty Images