The success or failure of Leeds United's apparent decision not to invest in the January transfer window will be decided at the end of the current Premier League season.
Despite repeated injuries, several, key first-team players missing for various fixtures and 15-year-olds debuting on the bench in the Premier League, Leeds have opted to remain dormant in the January window.
Granted, previous investment during this window has not yielded excellent results: Jean-Kevin Augustin and Kiko Casilla remain two of the club's less-heralded moves.
But, on the other hand, the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Adam Forshaw were brought in on permanent deals during the mid-season transfer window, providing the squad with a much-needed lift.
This year, the squad has needed a lift at times, but this month's primary pursuit of 21-year-old Brenden Aaronson appears to have been in vain, although it is possible the club will return for the player this summer.
While the summer window remains some way off, Leeds' recruitment department will already be looking at the next transfer period, identifying targets and plotting moves.
Here are three players Leeds could target from lesser European leagues, such as the Austrian Bundesliga where Aaronson currently plays, who could be tempted with a Premier League switch.
Calvin Ramsay - Aberdeen - full-back
Teenage right-back Calvin Ramsay is a player touted as being of interest to Leeds United this January window.
Ramsay is a Scotland U21 right-back who was subject to a failed bid from Serie A side Bologna earlier this month.
Despite a mid-season hamstring injury, Ramsay has continued in the Dons' starting XI on his return from the sidelines and remains one of the most highly sought-after prospects in Scottish football.
Contingent on his fitness and development over the next four or five months, a summer move for the right-back may be one Leeds pursue following their success in acquiring Leo Hjelde from Celtic last year.
Scottish football is not flushed with cash, meaning palatable seven-figure bids from Premier League clubs are likely to be accepted, even for a player of Ramsay's exponentially-increasing status.
Odin Thiago Holm - Valerenga - attacking-midfield
19-year-old midfielder Odin Thiago Holm is a former teammate of current Leeds United goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.
Leeds' links to Scandinavia are extensive and deep-rooted, and last summer Victor Orta's trip to Oslo saw him return with a stand-in goalkeeper for Illan Meslier.
This summer, a move for Odin Holm - who added Thiago to his name five years ago in homage to Thiago Alcantara - would neither break the bank, nor disrupt Leeds' attempts to sign a more senior attacking midfielder.
Another youngster with youth international caps for Norway, experience in continental European competition with Valerenga and a regular starting spot in Norway's top flight means a work permit would also be achievable.
Last season, the attacking midfielder occasionally dropped into Valerenga's B team where he scored five times in five appearances, mirroring the way in which Leeds' players of a similar age are utilised.
With contracts expiring in the U23 team and gentle evolution in the transfer market required given Leeds' lack of activity this month, Holm's addition would bolster both the first-team and U23 side when required.
Klaesson's reported £1.6 million fee also indicates Valerenga would not demand an exorbitant sum, considering Holm has played fewer senior games than the Leeds 'keeper had when making the move last summer.
Thierno Balde - Le Havre (loan) - full-back
Right-sided full-back Thierno Balde is currently on loan in France's second tier from Paris Saint-Germain but so far has impressed with Le Havre, who have pedigree when it comes to nurturing and developing young players.
Given PSG's track record for failing to blood youngsters of their own, it is likely that with 12 months remaining on his contract this summer, Balde will move on cheaply.
Ligue 1 clubs will be interested in the player, but luring the 19-year-old to the Premier League should not be difficult given the obvious financial incentives involved with a move to England's top flight compared to France.
With Cody Drameh's loan exit, Marcelo Bielsa's ensuing comments as well as Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas both approaching their 31st birthdays, investing in a right-back may be a shrewd move with a view to the future.
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