Just one week remains of the January transfer window and across the Premier League clubs will be completing stock checks before deciding on any last minute business. The final few days in the window can be manic and a number of clubs are expected to do business with some looking to strengthen, while others will be keen to balance the books.
It’s already been an interesting month for Leeds United, who have bagged themselves two new additions in Max Wober and Georginio Rutter, while loans have been found for Leo Hjelde and Alfie McCalmont. The Whites released Mateusz Klich from his contract earlier this month, freeing him up to sign for DC united, while young striker Max Dean has left on a permanent basis to link up with former Leeds coach Mark Jackson at MK Dons.
There’s a possibility that more business could be done over the next seven days, though. Here’s a look at what to expect.
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Loan decisions
Angus Kinnear revealed in his programme column on Sunday that players would be loaned out over the next few days to continue their development, making reference to the loans Harry Kane had before getting his break at Tottenham Hotspur. Joe Gelhardt is one name expected to leave Elland Road in the next week on loan, with Championship interest being widely reported.
The youngster needs minutes if he is to prevent his career from stalling and a temporary switch to the second tier seems to make sense for all parties involved. Wigan Athletic are in the frame, but Sunderland have recently been credited with interest, too.
Regardless of destination, it seems Gelhardt will be loaned out and Cody Drameh may find himself hoping for the same. The defender just hasn’t had the minutes he would have hoped for this season and it seems that is unlikely to change over the next few months at Elland Road, meaning another loan could appeal.
Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins are right on the cusp of the first-team at Leeds and they would perhaps benefit from regular minutes elsewhere over the second half of the season. The same could be said for Darko Gyabi and Kristoffer Klaesson.
A number of the older members of Michael Skubala's U21s could be forgiven for pushing for the chance to play men’s football, too. Amari Miller, Sean McGurk, Kris Moore and Charlie Allen are all 19 or older and the experience of working within a senior environment could be invaluable.
Youth recruitment
While we’re on the topic of promising youngsters, Leeds could be set to add to their youth ranks with the addition of Diogo Monteiro from Swiss club Servette. The 17-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road and he would be eligible to make the move later this month, when he turns 18.
The Whites have also been linked with young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but given they could land him on a free transfer in summer, the club may be tempted to wait on that one.
Midfield talk
Do Leeds need another midfielder? Well, few would reject the notion of adding to their ranks in the middle of the park and with Klich leaving, many believe Leeds look a little light in that area. Of course, Marc Roca and Tyler Adams are at the top of the pecking order, with Adam Forshaw, Sam Greenwood and Gyabi behind to offer support and numbers.
The addition of a bit more quality would go down well, though, of that there is no doubt. Azzedine Ounahi of Angers has been strongly linked following his World Cup exploits with Morocco and as Leeds mull over their options, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one or two more names crop up in the coming days as the deadline draws closer.
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