Leeds United have been enjoying a remarkable period of success, which has propelled them to a safer position, sitting eight points clear of the relegation zone. With only one loss in their last nine league matches, they have shifted from being prime candidates for relegation to holding a promising outlook for staying in the league.

To maintain this upward trajectory and avoid slipping back into danger, manager Daniel Farke and his team are planning strategic moves in the upcoming January transfer window.

Our transfer insider, Simon Jones, provides the latest insights on potential acquisitions and departures at Elland Road.

As the transfer window shut in September, one of Leeds’ primary concerns was their inability to secure a No. 10, a key position that Daniel Farke was eager to fill.

The club had pursued Fulham’s Harry Wilson and Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte but faced last-minute setbacks with both players. Despite these challenges, Leeds’ recruitment team has remained focused on these prospects, keeping a close eye on any future opportunities.

Wilson’s form has made him vital to Marco Silva’s plans at Fulham despite the fact he still hasn’t agreed a new contract. So Buonanotte was the natural choice if a deal could be done to curtail his loan at Chelsea.

Leeds looked at Sevilla’s Ruben Vargas – but he picked up another hamstring injury – and spoke to Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid but that would have cost £12.5million or more. 

Once Chelsea’s FA Cup tie at Charlton was out of the way, Leeds were able to persuade Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte to cut short his loan spell with the Blues and join them

Jack Harrison has joined Fiorentina on loan with an option to make it permanent for £6m

However, Buonanotte was growing frustrated at his lack of game time at Chelsea, maybe regretting his decision to join them over Leeds in August, so he became their main focus. Once Chelsea’s FA Cup tie at Charlton was out of the way, Leeds were able to step in and successfully persuade him to join. 

Leeds have also made an encouraging signing for the future who could yet figure in the first team, by adding Nigeria international defender Leonard Ngenge. The 18-year-old arrives in West Yorkshire from Remo Stars FC. Though raw, he has been capped twice by Nigeria, making his international debut against Senegal last year. Ngenge will begin with Leeds’ academy.

Highly-rated forward Harry Gray has joined Rotherham on loan to get first team experience while Jack Harrison has joined Fiorentina on loan with an option to make it permanent for £6m.

Where do they still need to strengthen?

A striker and cover at centre back are Leeds’ priorities. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have exceeded expectation up front but with their fitness records, Leeds need to ensure they are covered for all scenarios in the second half of the season. 

Injuries are also mounting up among their defenders, notably to key man Jaka Bijol. Farke expects Bijol to be out for three to five weeks. Any more setbacks and the coach will want to be moving for someone late in the window.

Meanwhile, after Gabriel Gudmundsson picked up an adductor issue forcing him to miss training, Farke says if there is a chance to address the situation at left back then Leeds will ‘stay awake’ to the possibility. 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has exceeded expectation up front but with his fitness records, Leeds need to ensure they are covered for all scenarios

Which players are they targeting?

Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen is one ambitious target and there is a growing confidence a deal can be achieved. Leeds need to be mindful of PSR when considering the Norway international’s price of £40m but, with Wolves heading for relegation and competition for the 25-year-old dwindling, they may drop their asking price and take less up front. There is also the possibility of players being offered in return.

Crystal Palace may be the greatest threat as they look to replace wantaway Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Troy Parrott’s scoring exploits have kept him on the club’s radar but he looks increasingly likely to see out the season at AZ Alkmaar, while other clubs are further down the line with their interest at this stage. 

An Elland Road return for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips had been kicked around but is unlikely as it stands, with the former England international in talks to join Wolves.

Chelsea’s Axel Disasi has been floated as a defensive option and Leeds do have a domestic loan open to them.

Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen is one ambitious target and there is a growing confidence a deal can be achieved

Troy Parrott’s scoring exploits have kept him on Leeds’ radar but he looks increasingly likely to see out the season at AZ Alkmaar

What progress has been made on signings for the summer?

Leeds’ plans for the summer hinge on staying in the Premier League.

Como’s 22-year-old Croatia international Martin Baturina remains a creative player of interest who fits their profiling.

There is a desire to bring in young talent with re-sale value plus a smattering of experience. The budget will be dictated by their Premier League status. They remain active on youth recruitment with Salford City midfield prospect Archie Oldham one who is firmly in their sights.

Como’s 22-year-old Croatia international Martin Baturina remains a creative player of interest to Leeds who fits their profiling

Who could still leave this month?

Joel Piroe is the player that could offset a bigger outlay on a new forward and help Leeds stay on the right side of PSR. Already, this window he has attracted interest from Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, Stoke and Southampton but has worked hard to get a chance of Premier League football and is not so keen to quit for the Championship. 

A request from Celtic to take him on loan last week was simply laughed off. Piroe told Voetbal International: ‘Honestly, that’s not on the cards right now. You never know, what if an opportunity arises that you can’t say no to? But personally, I’m not really keen on making a move this winter. 

‘Especially because the season is still relatively short and there’s little time to adapt elsewhere. 

‘That would be very difficult. If I have to make a transfer, I’d rather join during pre-season and get fully prepared for a new adventure. 

Joel Piroe (left) has attracted interest from Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, Stoke and Southampton but has worked hard to get a chance of Premier League football and is not so keen to quit for the Championship

‘But I’m not thinking about leaving right now. I still want and can be of value to Leeds and contribute to staying out of the relegation zone.’ 

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier could also go as English, Spanish and German sides have been looking for back-up options.

Cologne have an interest in Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw but he is more likely to be required by Farke, particularly if the manager persists with a back three.