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3 deals Leeds United could conclude between now and the end of the transfer window

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Leeds United are in the hunt for recruitments this month as they hope to stave off fears of relegation, but could see others depart too.

The Whites are at the very threshold of ‘bare bones’ when it comes to player availability this weekend, and signings are required to remedy the problem.

Kalvin Phillips’ injury has served as the biggest proof of Leeds’ need for a new midfield recruit.

Plenty of fans would claim the club need more than just one signing to ensure we have enough depth to withstand the pressure of a relegation batte.

Here, we take a look at three deals the club could conclude between now and the end of January

In: John Swift

The first incoming we think the club could push through is Reading midfielder John Swift.

The Royals are in the midst of a relegation battle having just sunk to another major low-point with defeat to Kidderminster in the FA Cup.

Swift is out of a contract and one of the few shining lights of this season in Berkshire, so was bound to generate speculation.

The Sheffield Star initially linked the Whites with a move for the 26-year-old, with a cut-price deal likely to be on the table for the man with eight goals and nine assists this term.

He offers Leeds a clear solution to the lack of natural attacking midfield options currently available.

Even with Mateusz Klich’s impressive form, Leeds need depth and Swift would be just the right player to come in.

In: Ferran Jutglà

A name that was surprising to see emerge in links to Leeds this month was Barcelona’s new starter Ferran Jutglà.

Catalan outlet El Nacional reported that the forward is unsure of his long-term future under new manager Xavi, and would be eager to move to the Premier League if he is demoted back to the B-team in January.

He has made four consecutive starts in La Liga lately, with his one league goal coming in his first of those.

Leeds are unlikely to move for a striker that is fixed to that position, given that they will fall down the pecking order with Patrick Bamford’s return, and Jutglà has shown versatility to play across the front.

Victor Orta could use his Spanish connections to find another bargain with Jutglà too out of contract in the summer.

Out: Helder Costa

Dan James’ arrival made sure that Helder Costa’s exit from Leeds flew right under the radar.

He’s spending this season on loan at Valencia and after what was a slow start, he’s making a good impression under Jose Bardalas.

Costa has been an ever-present starter since mid-October, ending his long wait for a first goal involvement with an assist against Espanyol on New Year’s Eve.

The fact we spent £25million on James has effectively ended Costa’s time at Leeds, and we’re we’re yet to make a single meaningful sale since clinching promotion.

Football Insider reported that Leeds are eyeing loans this season due to FFP constraints, but a permanent departure for Costa could free up a decent amount of money.

Reports of £20million being Leeds’ asking price for Costa seem very inflated, but it shows Leeds could be in for a solid fee for the winger, and pushing that through this month would be a huge boost.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.