Leeds United look to be getting business done early in the transfer market as they take lessons from a dreadful season and a litany of injuries. A deal for 21-year-old attacker Brendan Aaronson was wrapped up as soon as Premier League survival was confirmed, and Rasmus Kristensen - who was with Aaronson at RB Salzburg last season - looks set to sign in the coming days.
The extent to which the Whites collapsed last season, however, suggests this is far from job done for Victor Orta. It is common knowledge that the club are looking for a striker to compete with Joe Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford, while reinforcements in central midfield are desperately needed and have been for some time. There is also the possibility that Leeds will have to replace one or both of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
And while Jesse Marsch’s apparent tendency to lean into the Red Bull teams makes sense, Victor Orta doesn’t have to look overseas to find top talent. The Championship is becoming a more valuable market every year: See Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise. See Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Reece James. See Ollie Watkins, Jarrod Bowen and James Maddison.
READ MORE: Why Lewis O'Brien transfer would make perfect sense for Leeds United
The Championship is awash with outstanding footballers who may find it easier to transition to a better league in the same country, rather than a different country altogether. Here are five of the best options that Leeds should look to sign this summer.
Lewis O’Brien
The Huddersfield midfielder has been linked with a move to Elland Road since last summer when the Terriers turned down four bids from Leeds, who refused to budge from their £8 million valuation.
Since then, the 23-year-old has proved to be one of the best midfielders in the second-tier and a vital cog in a Town side that finished third and made it to the playoff final - He also won the club’s Player of the Year.
O’Brien would be a perfect counterweight to Kalvin Phillips, driving the ball forward and getting involved in the final third. His energy in the middle of the park would also suit the aggressive press of Marsch’s side.
Leeds are now just one of several Premier League clubs eyeing the midfielder, with a price tag of £10 million.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Another shining light in the Championship this season was Morgan Gibbs-White, who featured for Sheffield United on loan from Wolves. He played 35 times in the league last season, scoring 11 and assisting nine.
The 22-year-old was deployed as an attacking midfielder for Paul Heckingbottom’s Blades, either in the centre or as one of their two inside-forwards - both lend themselves well to Marsch’s system with a focus on breaking through the centre.
The England Under-21 international became a huge fan-favourite at Bramall Lane for his driving force, and he will have to make the step into the top-tier this year.
There’s every chance Gibbs-White could be integrated into the Wolves side, with Leeds one of several clubs also interested - making it no easy deal.
James Garner
Mancehster United academy product James Garner was pivotal as Nottingham Forest ended a 23-year wait for Premier League football by beating Huddersfield in the playoff final.
The 21-year-old controlled the midfield at Forest throughout an incredible run under Steve Cooper, who took the side from bottom of the league to playoff glory. He scored four goals and assisted 10 in all competitions last season, playing throughout the midfield.
As with O’Brien, Garner would add depth and strength to a fragile midfield, but he may be keen to make an impression at Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag. Forest would also likely be the first bet on a loan move.
Ben Brereton Diaz
Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz has been strongly linked with a move to West Yorkshire this season after an outstanding campaign at Ewood Park. The 22-year-old bagged 22 goals in 37 games for Rovers, with three assists to boot.
With Marsch in the market for another striker, a move for the prolific Brereton Diaz could be shrewd. The Chilean international is certainly ready for the step up to Premier League football and would fit well into the direct and attacking football Marsch wants to implement - not to mention adding the goals that Leeds so desperately needed.
After a headline-grabbing season, Rovers have understandably slapped a price tag of around £20 million on their star man, but if the Whites can find the cash then a move could add plenty of goals.
Sander Berge
Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge will almost certainly be leaving Sheffield United this summer after they fell short of promotion with a playoff semi-final defeat to Forest.
The 24-year-old was with the Blades when they were in the Premier League and stayed with them, featuring 31 times and scoring five goals. At 6ft 4in, the midfielder is a powerful presence in the midfield and can drive forward with the ball relentlessly.
His height would also provide much needed improvements in both attacking and defending set-pieces at Elland Road.
The Whites would face plenty of stiff competition, however, with Arsenal and Napoli previously linked - he has a £35 million release clause, but it is expected Sheffield would let him leave for around £20-25 million.
