Three Leeds United fans discuss which players could arrive at Elland Road in January

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Leeds United remain on course for promotion this season.

All being well, Leeds United will begin 2019 within the Championship’s automatic promotion spots.

Marcelo Bielsa has enjoyed a near-flawless start to life as manager of the Whites – having lost just three of his 22 games in charge, at the time of writing.

It is a somewhat remarkable feat given that, at some point or another, the Argentine has had to do without numerous key players – notably Kemar Roofe, Pablo Hernandez and Luke Ayling – for prolonged spells.

And having passed such tests with flying colours, there may be a temptation, particularly on the part of Leeds’ owner Andrea Radrizzani, to attack the season’s latter half with the same squad of players.

On the other hand, a couple of the right additions could all but seal the Whites’ return to the Premier League – and help them to avoid being caught short should further injuries occur, especially with Samu Saiz having already left to join Getafe ahead of next month.

But which players could arrive at Elland Road in January? We spoke to three Leeds fans to see what they think might happen…

What do you think Leeds’ budget will be?

Jordan Harris (@JordanHarris811): I don’t think Marcelo Bielsa will look to spend a lot of money. It doesn’t sound like there’s loads available. But I could also see Radrizzani trying to facilitate a big-money move (by Leeds’ standards) if the right player comes onto the market.

Jonathan Peel (JPeel05): Fairly miniscule. I’m not sure we’re absolutely flush with cash at the minute; definitely a sell-to-buy type situation as it was with the Patrick Bamford – Ronaldo Vieira deal in the summer.

Will Butcher (@WillButcher8): I don’t feel the budget will be enormous, given the recent developments at Eleven Sports and the money that was spent in the summer.

In which positions do they need to strengthen?

JH: A new goalkeeper is the priority. It doesn’t need to be a first-choice option, but someone who brings experience and can step up if needed. An attacking midfielder to replace Samuel Saiz would also be welcome as Izzy Brown is still yet to make his debut. I don’t think it will happen, but another centre-back would also help.

JP: The key position is definitely goalkeeper. We’re currently down to Bailey Peacock-Farrell and two youth-team goalkeepers; BPF has faced some criticism (whether justified or not) this season and an experienced back-up is a must. It’d also be nice to get more options on the wing; (Ezgjan) Alioski regularly frustrates and Jack Harrison is yet to showcase why Manchester City rate him so highly. Also, Saiz has just left, so I guess some cover for the No.10 role wouldn’t go amiss as well.

WB: We definitely need a new centre-back. Less so, a goalkeeper and a replacement for Saiz.

Who would be your dream January signing?

JH: It’s never going to happen now, but Brahim Diaz (the Manchester City attacking midfielder) would probably be my dream January signing. He looks to be a fantastic talent and he would be the best player in the Championship if we got him.

JP: Honestly, anyone. I feel like Bielsa could turn water into wine… so he could probably turn some middling Championship winger into peak-Cruyff.

WB: The dream January signing for me would be Gary Cahill (the Chelsea centre-back).

Which players (if any) do you suspect they will target?

JH: Ibai Gomez (the Alaves winger) has been mentioned a lot, but I could see Bielsa getting someone like (Newcastle United’s) Karl Darlow in to address the goalkeeper issue and then deciding that he’s done enough for the month.

JP: Karl Darlow from Newcastle and Wes Foderingham from Rangers have both been mentioned as goalkeeping options – one of those two, and probably not much else. Ibai Gomez has also been touted as a potential target, he used to play under Bielsa at Bilbao, but Leicester are also said to be interested… so we’ll probably get Premier League’d out.

WB: Mason Holgate (the Everton centre-back) on loan, and a Premier League goalkeeper such as (Burnley’s Tom) Heaton or Darlow.

Any loan players you’d like to see back?

JH: I think most of the loan players would either benefit more from staying out on loan or probably have no future with us anyway. If there was one, it may actually be Liam Kitching just because of the defensive cover he would provide. He is doing well with Harrogate Town.

JP: We’ve currently got over 20 players out on loan and I’m fairly certain we aren’t missing any of them. It’d be nice to have a couple more bodies in the squad simply due to the insane amount of injuries we’ve had this season – but they’d only be there to fill a hole.

WB: I’d like to see Lewie Coyle (the right-back) back, and perhaps (the striker, Caleb) Ekuban due to his goal rate.