Leeds’ five-point plan for the January transfer window, featuring Clarke and Gomez

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Leeds United will be in the market for new signings this month.

Leeds United have now lost two Championship games in a row, and kicked off 2019 with a 4-2 defeat away at Nottingham Forest on New Years Day.

The Whites remain strong contenders for promotion this season though, and boss Marcelo Bielsa may fancy a couple of additions to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign.

With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for Leeds United and how they can attack the January transfer window…

1. Replace Samu Saiz

Losing Spanish playmaker Saiz to Getafe ahead of January was a major blow, and Leeds must figure out how they are going to replace him. Whether it’s moving Pablo Hernandez to a central attacking midfield role permanently or signing a new player, Leeds must figure out how to replace his creativity this month.

2. Sign another goalkeeper

Bailey Peacock-Farrell hasn’t exactly been assured throughout this season, and with Jamal Blackman sent back to Chelsea after a season-ending injury, it’s time for Leeds to sign another shot-stopper. A player with experience would be preferable, such as Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow, whether on loan or permanently.

3. Pull out all the stops for Ibai Gomez

Alaves winger Ibai Gomez has been strongly linked with Leeds in recent months, having worked under Bielsa for Athletic Bilbao. Out of contract in the summer, Leeds must pull out all the stops to convince him to make the move to Elland Road, either with a cash offer this month or even on a pre-contract agreement for next season.

4. Bat off any interest in Jack Clarke

Youngster Jack Clarke continues to make a name for himself off the bench, and it surely can’t be long before he becomes a starting player for the Whites. The problem is that, with his impressive displays, Clarke has been attracting Premier League interest. It’s imperative that Leeds keep hold of Clarke and continue to develop him under Bielsa, rather than lose him this month to a top-flight club.

5. Consider landing a target man

Leeds spent on Patrick Bamford over the summer, and Kemar Roofe has starred this season, but another option should be targeted in attack. Bielsa has previously helped target men Fernando Llorente and Andre-Pierre Gignac impress, and adding a direct option to the Leeds attack could be ideal for the promotion run-in when games are tight and points are paramount.