Leeds United January transfer window stance and key factors in potential decisions

Leeds United are expected to explore the loan market more so than permanent transfer possibilities in the January window.

The Whites made no secret of the fact that they wanted to strengthen Daniel Farke's attacking options in the final days of the summer window but were unable to land a number of key targets.

They wanted a right winger who could also play inside but Facundo Buonanotte opted to go to Chelsea despite a deal with Leeds being all-but agreed, before Fulham changed their minds and withdrew the possibility of Harry Wilson travelling to Elland Road.

While Buonanotte has had next to no involvement at Stamford Bridge, Wilson has proved to be an integral part of the Fulham side. As for Leeds, they have looked light on creativity at times this season and an injury to Dan James has only further highlighted the need for extra firepower.

Farke's recent switch to a 3-5-2 formation will inform Leeds' decision making process in the January window, should the manager stick with it. That and any injuries that crop up could be factors in how much they decide to do, although club chiefs are not anticipating a huge amount of transfer activity.

It is currently rated highly unlikely that they do nothing and Farke is heavily involved in the plans and contingencies. As ever the manager's desire to bring the right characters into the squad and players who understand that game time will not be guaranteed, will be a key aspect in Leeds' potential recruitment.

During his tenure Leeds have had mixed success in the loan market, with Djed Spence being sent back to Spurs early on one end of the spectrum and Connor Roberts proving to be an important addition on the other end.

Just like in the summer, the club has a list of possible targets for each position from which to draw from and the decision makers, including Farke, will need to be aligned for Leeds to make a move.

With the club's Profitability and Sustainability position already being tight, loan signings are more likely than permanent additions. For Leeds to engage in more significant expenditure they would need to sell in January or prior to the PSR reporting deadline at the end of June. The YEP understands there are currently no outgoing sales pending for the mid-season market, but that could of course change.