If Leeds United win promotion, this position should be first transfer priority

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Leeds United will need to strengthen at goalkeeper next summer.

Leeds United are in a heady position of fifth in the Championship table heading into Christmas, and Garry Monk’s side are hoping to go on and win promotion in May.

The club have this transfer window to worry about at present if they are going to achieve that goal, but part of that work could involve some long term planning at the goalkeeping position.

Robert Green has been the same as he has throughout his career, solid but with the occasional and badly timed howler thrown in. He turn 37 in January and is not the long term answer.

Leeds United’s Rob Green reacts after Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle scores their second goal

If Leeds do win promotion to the Premier League, they may have to consider relegating Green to back-up right away.

Green has top flight experience, but the reality is if Leeds are going to be serious about maintaining their hard fought status, they will need to make ruthless decisions.

It might be easier to kick this decision down the line and worry about it next summer, but regardless of what position they are in next season, Leeds need to consider their options at the goalkeeper position.

Leeds United’s Marco Silvestri saves from Norwich City’s Alex Pritchard during the penalty shoot out

Marco Silvestri has been reasonably good over the past three seasons, but it says a lot that he is Green’s back-up, and he is not the long term future.

One player who hopes to be is youngster Bailey Peacock Farrell, who made his debut for Leeds last season, but has back with the under-23s before suffering a fracture which has ruled him out for the past few months.

With Leeds competitive in the promotion race, he should not expect any first team opportunities any time soon unless in case of an injury crisis.

This leaves Leeds needing to find their goalkeeper of the future, either next summer or if possible as soon as January.

Ideally they need a player in the 24 to 32 age range, with experience playing Premier League football.

Garry Monk’s contacts should ensure he can find one, but with a new striker and potentially another winger required, Leeds may well wait until this season pans out before making their move.