Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has acknowledged the Whites need to act as swiftly as possible in the transfer market to avoid missing out on their targets.
Whites supporters will be all too familiar with the story of Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who now looks to be well out of Leeds' price range.
Last summer, Orta was desperate to land Gakpo, who starred for the Netherlands during the World Cup in Qatar.
READ MORE: Why ex-Leeds United youngster tops 'Xmas naughty list' after what he did in Whites victory
The 23-year-old's performances this term for PSV Eindhoven, coupled with his strong outings for the Netherlands have seen Gakpo's price tag surge, well out of what Leeds would be able to pay.
While Leeds are by no means a poor side, they do need to box smart in the transfer market to maximise their spending.
Clearly, their strategy in recent windows has been to target younger players with high upside. These players can then either help Leeds kick on and climb up the Premier League table, or be moved on for big profits.
Another name Leeds were interested in this past summer was Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who eventually signed for Serie A side Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia, nicknamed 'Kvaradona', is one of Europe's most exciting talents. Had Leeds landed him, it would have been some coup for the Whites.
However, they were unable to land either Kvaratskhelia or Gakpo, with Orta acknowledging the price tags of these types of player mean Leeds have to act quickly when it comes to recruitment.
"We have a lot of information from many players," Orta told AS, who had asked the Leeds director about how close the Whites were to landing Gakpo and Kvaratskhelia.
"In the end some, due to price and our limitations, escape us. That is why we have to act as quickly as possible."
READ NEXT:
Leeds United are being painted into a corner with undesirable January transfer consequences
Leeds United deliver squad injury update after Jack Harrison omission as Man City clash nears
Darko Gyabi's private Jesse Marsch talks lay the groundwork for Leeds United surge
Rodrigo finally delivering Leeds United's record-signing output yet it's triggering mixed emotions
Rodrigo's crucial unseen Leeds United role in finding their next long-term number nine
