Leeds United are now just 10 games away from a possible return to the Premier League and despite losing 1-0 at Portsmouth on Sunday, remain in the driving seat for promotion. At the time of writing, they are a point behind league leaders Sheffield United and one point ahead of Burnley in third, with tonight’s visit of Millwall to Elland Road their chance to go top with nine matches left.
Daniel Farke and his squad will be solely focused on each game as it comes but those above the German might be minded to at least put some early summer plans in place, with no time to waste if indeed they are promoted. All three of this season’s newcomers look set to go straight back down as the task of survival becomes harder every year.
It’s a little early for the summer rumour mill to fully kick into gear, but reports are starting to surface, namely links with previous promotion hero Kalvin Phillips. And off the back of that, the YEP has attempted to draw up an early possible starting-XI if - and that’s a big if - top-flight football returns to Elland Road in August.
7. CM: Kalvin Phillips
Phillips has been freshly linked with a 'fairytale' return to Elland Road this summer, although the YEP understands there are a number of potential issues even if Leeds are promoted. His spot in the starting-XI would require a return to the form he showed under Marcelo Bielsa, with Farke not in the business of handing out minutes to those who haven't hit the level. The 29-year-old is currently a long way off that level. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ao Tanaka
A slight formation change here, even if only for the benefit of shoe-horning relevant players in. Tanaka has been a revelation since joining and continues to make a mockery of his £3m price-tag. Looks more than good enough to mix it with the best the Premier League has to offer and at 26, still has time to improve. Photo: Richard Heathcote
9. RW: Dan James
The Premier League hasn't quite worked for James yet, but the 27-year-old hasn't ever been in such red-hot form and as things stand, he deserves a shot while actually playing out wide instead of at No.9. His pace will surely be invaluable if Leeds are to adopt a more counter-attacking approach. Willy Gnonto a more than able alternative if the Welshman cannot hit the heights. | Getty Images
10. LW: Emiliano Buendia
Would be the kind of attacking quality that could help Leeds bridge the gap from Championship to Premier League, and a known past target for former Norwich boss Farke. Currently on loan at Bayer Leverkusen but German outlet Kicker report they are unlikely to activate his £17m purchase option. It's feasible interest could be reignited if the Argentinian becomes available. | Getty Images
11. ST: Tammy Abraham
Leeds have been tentatively named as one of several teams 'keeping tabs' on the 27-year-old, who could seek a return to England this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. 135 goals across 364 games for the likes of Chelsea, Aston Villa, Roma and AC Milan is the record of a No.9 who would significantly improve on current options, but with plenty of Premier League interest and European-level wages, a move would likely be tough to pull off. | Getty Images