Victor Orta has perhaps his most difficult assignment since becoming Leeds United's director of football, as the Whites have agreed the sale of Kalvin Phillips to Premier League champions, Manchester City. Orta has money to spend now - with Phillips earning the club upwards of £40 million - but replacing a star player is a challenge that requires more than money to get right.
Of course, no incoming player will replace what Phillips meant to the fanbase, as Phillips was an academy graduate and the fans' representation on the pitch. However, Orta will be looking for a particular skill set to bring in, in order to best serve the squad moving forwards.
The role required will be a little different, as under Jesse Marsch, Leeds play a two man defensive midfield, instead of two number eights in front of a single defensive midfielder. This means that Orta can be a little more creative in what kind of player he looks to sign, rather than looking to get a player with an identical skill set.
Read more: Leeds United closing on fourth signing as Kalvin Phillips replacement strategy takes shape
As the Spaniard has already brought in his compatriot, Marc Roca as another midfielder, Orta knows that he has a deep play maker through the doors already. Another player who possesses that kind of passing ability could be beneficial but may not be required now.
Here are some options that the director of football could pursue:
Mo Camara
The Whites have already signed two players from RB Salzburg this summer, as Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen joined Leeds from the Austrian champions. However, they may look to complete a hat-trick of signings from Marsch's former side, as Mo Camara is set to make his step up from Austria.
Camara would be a very interesting option for Leeds as he is clearly very comfortable playing for Marsch and aware of his system. The 22-year-old is a very intense player defensively. He has a small stature but his stockiness makes him incredibly strong and he has the fitness to run all game. Meanwhile, on the ball, he has exceptional close control to take the ball and move it forwards under pressure.
He seems likely to cost upwards of £25 million and is being pursued by Brighton, so Orta may have a fight to secure his signature, should he pursue the deal.
Tyler Adams
Another player very familiar with Marsch is American international, Tyler Adams. He was managed by Marsch at both New York Red Bulls and RB Leipzig, so he would also be a good option for Leeds' manager as he looks to ease the transition of moving towards his preferred style of football.
Adams has less ability on the ball than Camara, but is an exceptional presser and ball winner, helping to cover for what will be lost from Leeds' team through the sale of Phillips.
The American is valued at £15.3 million on Transfermarkt, and despite Leipzig reportedly being happy to allow him to leave this summer, it would not be surprising to see them demand upwards of £20 million for him.
Nicolas Dominguez
Next up is a very different type of option. Dominguez is more of a play maker than the previous two players listed, although he does also do defensive work.
The Bologna midfielder is an Argentinian international and is used to playing in a two man central midfield, which would work well for the current iteration of the Leeds team. However, partnering him with Roca could leave the team a little lightweight in the middle.
James Garner
Garner is a player who has been linked to the Whites several times by the Athletic. The Manchester United youngster impressed in two loan spells at Nottingham Forest over the last two seasons, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Premier League.
However, Garner has played further forward than defensive midfield in recent times, with his passing ability earning him eight assists in the Championship. Given that Leeds need a player to play alongside Roca, he seems unlikely to be the right profile.
Azor Matusiwa
One player who has not been linked at any stage but could be wort a look is Stade Reims' Azor Matusiwa. The former Groningen midfielder is more of a pure ball-winner than the other players on this list but the 24-year-old's energetic presence alongside Roca could take some defensive pressure of Roca and allow him to concentrate more on running Leeds' build-up play.
Matusiwa would also be a cheaper option, allowing Orta to commit the majority of the remaining budget to more attacking players.
Go here for all the latest Leeds United news
READ NEXT
Leeds United's Phillips exit turns the screw on decisive phase in their plan
Leeds United closing on Darko Gyabi as Kalvin Phillips strategy takes shape
Grealish move spells ominous warning for Phillips at Man City
Gary Lineker says Kalvin Phillips will improve by moving from Leeds United
Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa ruled out of Athletic Bilbao reunion
