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One in, one out: The bullish decisions Leeds United must look to make in the next transfer window

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Leeds United have been made to settle with what they’ve got after missing out on key targets, meaning there’s a need to potentially dip into the January market.

We’re five fixtures into the Premier League season and even though it’s far too early to be making end of season judgements, there are things that need addressing.

Marcelo Bielsa has never been one to stack his squad unnecessarily with talent and depth, but there are issue worthy of attention.

That’s a problem that cannot be solved now with the window shut, but Victor Orta will be working hard to determine whether there are signings that should be made in the new year.

Here, we take a look at one incoming and one outgoing that could be on the cards in January at Leeds

In: Louie Sibley

It’s quite clear that the main position that Leeds need some more cover in is central midfield.

The club did attempt to bring in a player to add depth more behind Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich, but failed with two different options in Conor Gallagher and Lewis O’Brien.

Neither of those two will be available for us in January, so perhaps the chance to rekindle previous interest in Louie Sibley could be on the cards.

The attacking midfielder has been a core part of the side ever since breaking through under Phillip Cocu, but the Rams’ pending administration and points deduction will force their hand in the market.

At the moment, we’re struggling to get much out of our two striking options being shoehorned into midfield and if we don’t have Klich there, we look weaker.

This week’s developments at Pride Park could see clubs take advantage in January, and Leeds’ interest in Sibley could be jump-started.

Out: Adam Forshaw

It’s perhaps not a deal that Bielsa would be most keen on happening, but for Forshaw, he needs to start playing again.

We can’t be the team that offers him time when we’re under pressure to get results, while we cannot rely on him to stay fit.

There would be plenty of teams in the Championship who would appreciate having Forshaw in their side for the remainder of the season, where a loan move could be best for all parties.

He’s out of contract in the summer and it could essentially be a half-season audition for him to get a new permanent home in the coming summer.

However, should he regain full fitness and sustain it, there would be a place for him in this squad, but it’s looking less and less likely.

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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.