Leeds United will consider delving into the transfer market when the January window opens with Marcelo Bielsa hoping that fresh faces can spark a revival to their disappointing campaign.
The Whites are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, winning only three of their 18 matches, and they are sitting five points above 18th-placed Burnley, who have three games in hand.
Bielsa has had to contend with an injury crisis and coronavirus-related problems at Elland Road in recent weeks, with several first-team regulars forced to watch on from the sidelines.
With a number of academy graduates having to step up to the first team as a result, it seems clear that reinforcements are required to help strengthen Bielsa's depleted squad, with the club's sporting director Victor Orta prepared to spend up to £50m on new signings.
Ahead of the January transfer window, Sports Mole takes a look at five players Leeds may look to target.
Weston McKennie (Juventus)
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The addition of a centre-midfielder is believed to be one the main priorities for Leeds heading into January – especially with Kalvin Phillips set to miss the next two months with a hamstring injury – and Juventus's Weston McKennie has been identified as a potential target.
The 23-year-old has been a first-team regular under Massimiliano Allegri this season, making 18 appearances across all competitions, however the Italian giants are prepared to sell the USA international if they receive an offer in the region of £20m.
Leeds will likely face stern competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who have also expressed a 'serious interest' in McKennie.
McKennie, who shares the same agent as Whites midfielder Adam Forshaw, may need some convincing to join Bielsa's relegation-threatened side ahead of Antonio Conte's team who are pushing for a European spot.
Eljif Elmas (Napoli)
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Napoli playmaker Eljif Elmas has recently emerged as a potential marque signing for Leeds in the winter window.
One previous report claims that the Whites attempted to sign the 22-year-old over the summer, however the North Macedonia international eventually stayed put in Naples and has since helped the Italian giants challenge for the Serie A title.
A deal in the region of £15m could tempt Napoli to cash in on Elmas in January, a surprisingly low figure for a highly-rated midfielder who has previously been linked with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Borussia Dortmund are another club closely monitoring Elmas, who has scored six goals and provided two assists in 25 appearances for Napoli across all competitions this season.
Elmas has shown his versatility for the Neapolitans so far this term, operating in central and attacking midfield roles as well as on both flanks.
Ben Brereton Diaz (Blackburn Rovers)
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Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz, one of the standout performers in the Championship this season, has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old has elevated his game to new heights under Tony Mowbray, netting 20 goals in 24 league appearances and helping the Blue and Whites climb to third in the table, just one point behind the summit.
With Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo struggling with injuries, Leeds are considering a January move to sign Brereton Diaz, who is valued at around £25m even though he has just six months remaining on his contract.
The Chile international, who has also been linked with Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton, may be tempted by a mid-season switch to the Premier League should an offer be tabled next month.
Ross Barkley (Chelsea)
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Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley could be another realistic target for Leeds in January, with the Blues prepared to let the 28-year-old leave Stamford Bridge in search of regular first-team football.
The Englishman has struggled to cement his place in Thomas Tuchel's starting lineup having made only four starts across all competitions for the Champions League holders this term, so a permanent or loan transfer is likely next month.
Barkley, who has just over 18 months remaining on his contract, could become a key creative asset for Bielsa's side should he move to Elland Road and he would seemingly slot into a number eight role alongside Mateusz Klich.
The Merseyside-born midfielder has also been linked with fellow relegation candidates Burnley and Newcastle United, and it remains to be seen which club that he would prefer to join.
Joe Rodon (Tottenham Hotspur)
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Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon is another player who has struggled for regular first-team football and a potential short-term loan move or permanent transfer to Leeds could be an option for Bielsa in January.
The Wales international was signed by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho in the summer of 2020, but he has only featured 20 times across all competitions since his £11m move from Swansea City, including just one Premier League appearance this season.
With Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies all ahead of Rodon in the pecking order at Tottenham, the 24-year-old is keen to secure an exit away from North London in the winter window, ideally to another Premier League club.
Both Leeds and Newcastle are believed to be keeping tabs on Rodon, and while a loan deal is seemingly more likely, Spurs may consider the sale of the centre-back if their valuation is met.
Rodon's potential arrival at Elland Road would provide more competition in central defence with the likes of club captain Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente.
Oliver Thomas
