We're a third of the way through the January transfer window already, with Leeds United having moved early to bring Max Wober to Elland Road.
But there is still plenty of time to add to the Whites' squad, and with Jesse Marsch's side just two points ahead of the Premier League relegation zone, fans would like to see more new faces arrive.
There are some winnable games on the horizon, while the FA Cup draw sees Leeds face either Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley - should they beat Cardiff in a replay. All of this and the ever-present takeover talks around the club.
READ MORE: 'Inevitability' about Gyokeres departure as Leeds United circle for January move
It's never dull at Leeds United, and our man Beren Cross was on hand to answer your questions in our latest Q&A sessions. Here's what was discussed.
WAL1919: With the rumours of potentially high transfer outlays in this window, where is the money coming from, especially since Radrizzani seems to be considering making an exit based on his recent interview?
BEREN CROSS: This is the question which has dominated boardroom talks for the past few weeks. The takeover is the elephant in the room. Everyone on both sides of the Atlantic can see it coming and houses need to be put in order. Radrizzani, rightly, will have one eye on the next phase of his career and be cautious about the amount he invests in Leeds when he may not be around in the near future to enjoy the fruits of that investment. Meanwhile, 49ers Enterprises are yet to push the button the the takeover and will be cautious about investing too much of their own capital before they have full control and before United's PL status is secure. It's a chess match, but all the noises would suggest they have the money and they have arrangements in place to ensure recruitment does not suffer. Remember, very, very few transfer fees are paid out in full upfront. Generally, they are spread across the length of the contract agreed with the player.
FWILSON6: Hi Beren, I presume many other q’s will be on transfers so I’ll ask about Marsch. Do you get the feeling January is a month where everything has to fall into place or he’ll end up on the chopping block? Also any names in terms of incoming coach replacing Jacko?
BC: The next seven weeks look absolutely pivotal for Marsch. Leeds face 11th, ninth, 15th, fourth, 18th and 20th before the end of February. The Man Utd game, important as it is to supporters, remains a mismatch based on their budget and league standing. In the other five matches, however, he needs a minimum of nine points from an available 15, wouldn't you say?
It still feels too soon to believe his job is under real pressure again. In standing by Marsch through the World Cup break, Leeds made a clear decision to back him and give him more time well into 2023 to make this work. If they were to sack him before the end of January it would mean Leeds have either been thrashed by both Villa and Brentford, or the board made a huge error in not dismissing him when they had time find a successor between the Spurs and City games.
When Leeds kept him through December, what exactly were there minimum expectations for post-Christmas/January? From the five league games before the end of January they must have only expected around five points from 15. He has two. One win over either Villa or Brentford should meet the expectations from the fixtures they had.
WHITESONONON: The writing is on the wall for Jesse. How can he turn this around?
BC: That's the big question. They have to stop relying on these chaotic phases in matches where all hell breaks loose and they scrape a goal or two here and there. Marsch himself has said he wants the team to have a calmer control of matches which they can dictate, especially against inferior or equal opposition.
How does he turn it around though? Injuries and knocks are still proving an issue, but that's out of his control to some degree. We know he moderates training and listens to players' bodies if they are in the red zone. He cannot simply rest them between matches. Injuries are part and parcel of the sport. Tactically, they need more width, but that's not part of his philosophy. More composed in possession? Better passing options to move up the field?
KEL1: Is it right Beren that Leeds are actually looking at signing two strikers not one, and also more support for the back four? Have they tabled 17m for Azzedine Ounahi who I think would be a exceptinal buy?
BC: As of yesterday, no bids had gone in for any players since Wober, so unless that's changed today then they haven't gone in for Ounahi yet. No, I think it would be one forward and, if they can get it done, a midfielder too to compensate for Klich's exit.
NORTHERNC: Why are we not sending our young talent out on loan as many would benefit playing competive league football, rather than the reserve leagues or bit-part cameo appearances once a blue moon? We're desperate for a consistent striker to challenge but every window we fail, are funds ready for a striker?
BC: McCalmont's loan to Carlisle has just been announced to get the first one of the month ticked off. I am sure there will be more too. I do agree, in a lot of cases loans would be better than PL2 football, but the better prospects do tend to then train with the first team and go along to senior matches on the bench. Based on the strikers they are talking to, yes, funds do seem to be ready to move.
CRAIG92: With talk over Marsch, would be interested to know what board deem to be successful season. If we come 17th will board they be happy, or are they expecting mid table?
BC: I was asked the other day on a US radio station what I thought Leeds would do with Marsch if they finished 17th again with zero progress on the final-day scrape of May 2022. It's really tough to predict. Fifteenth or higher and he justifiably stays in post while if they go down you can see him leaving. I think they would deem 15th and upwards a successful season, to answer your question.
KATZLER: Same situation it's been for a while for me. Need a striker and a left-back, some of the defence play at Championship standard - what's being done about it?
BC: A striker is being worked on. Leeds like Rutter, Gyokeres and Sebastián Driussi, who was linked with the Whites last November too. Wober is the left-back, whether we see him as a pure full-back or not. As for the rest of the defence's level, all we are told if they are working away at it on the training field.
ASPINAWE: What position will Wober be occupying and do you know why the likes of Llorente received a new contract after his poor form this season? Would it be to earn back some of our money from his sale instead ofa llowing him to go on the cheap later on?
BC: Wober will play as a centre-back, left-back and central midfielder. I would expect most of his minutes will be played at left-back once he's match sharp. I suspect you may have hit the nail on the head wit Llorente. Only his biggest fans could say he has shone at Leeds and played at a consistently high level. It was not a new deal I was expecting, but there is a feeling the centre-back market in world football is about to go crazy. Therefore, if Leeds can get a tune out of their Spain international they are either insulated from needing to pay over the odds for another CB or can fetch a tidy price for Llorente.
ANDYDICKSON1: Are we over crowded with young potential strikers? We need an experienced Bamford replacement imo, someone like Jaoquin Correa would be good. What do you think?
BC: Perhaps. The noise around a Gelhardt loan exit has increased in recent days. He is not playing a huge amount this season and when he does play he has struggled to find the same impact as last season. If you then throw another forward into the mix, it's hard to see how Gelhardt plays anywhere near enough. We will wait and see on that one. Joseph seems well served by playing mainly for the under-21s and dipping into the first team when he can. Meanwhile, Gnonto has become one of the first names on the teamsheet out wide and Greenwood has established himself in a deeper position. Correa's a nice shout, but he's playing fairly regularly from the bench with a Champions League-chasing Inter.
CRAIG92: With little time to get new players up to speed in January with Marsch system. Do you think it is likely that incoming will have history with Marsch and/or style he is looking to play?
BC: Leeds will have more targets with no experience of working with Marsch than those who do. There is definitely an advantage to signing players who know his philosophy well already, but Leeds will not be restricted by that parameter.
ROBBIE67: Hi Beren, I'll stay clear of transfers as that is a minefield but Wober looks good and may fill a couple of holes. Where are with stadium plans? I hear that the West Stand will be first, building over the top, then doing the underneath while the Directors etc move up, followed by the North/Kop/Don Revie stand into a Dortmund style massive Kop? Is this all linked to 49'ers takeover? Surely somebody must have some plans drawn up to get the 55k capacity? When we see anything? Long suffering member who has been successful in 1 ballot this year for tickets but I did get to Cardiff yesterday, great day with 30 mins of good football from the Whites.
BC: I'm pleased you had a great day, Robbie. A long old poke, but special memories for those fans who don't normally get the chance to see Leeds play. It was an incredible away end yesterday. You are right on Elland Road. It's now effectively tied to what 49ers Enterprises do next. If Leeds stay up and the takeover goes through in 2023, you would expect the stadium to be near the top of the Americans' agenda. Plans have been seen here and there, especially during the centenary celebrations of 2019, but Leeds are, understandably, not letting too much get out for fear of people getting carried away.
CRAIG92: Interesting that Klaesson did not feature yesterday, at 22 a bit young to third choice. Could he one to benefit from loan move out until end of season.
BC: No, I think Marsch likes having three goalkeepers with the squad. Klaesson will be benefitting from Robles's experience and mentorship in the hope he can take a step forward next season. You do wonder how long he wants to be Meslier's back-up for though. I imagine Leeds will hope the Norwegian gets to a high enough level that means he can step into the breach if and when Meslier moves on.
MSC24: Hi Beren, an interesting game yesterday, it certainly made me question my opinion that signing a new left back to free up Struijk to play at CB was the solution to our defensive issues! I think a back four of Kristensen, Koch, Cooper and Wober is adequate but I still think improvements can be made. I like the links to Ounahi, Roca just isn't mobile enough for me for the PL. Gyabi played quite well and I'd like to see him given a chance alongside Adams to be honest, he will be a beast of a player in the years to come. Rutter has a bit of a Raphinha feel to him, a maverick type who looks to have unlimited potential so I'm all for it. I don't really get the criticism of Orta, yes he's made mistakes but we made £30m on Raphinha, we'll make huge profits in years to come (if we want to) on Meslier, Summerville, Gnonto, Gelhardt, Adams, Struijk, Harrison, Perkins, etc, etc. We can't afford proven PL quality so there is always risk involved but his wins dwarf his duds for me.
BC: Thanks for your thoughts on the game. Always nice to read how other people have seen things. It was such an out-of-character display from Struijk and hopefully just a one-off. The long-term vision does have him mas the left-sided centre-back, I believe. In the shoprt-term it's going to be interesting to see what happens, however. If Cooper can shake off this glute issue then the captain is going to play and force Struijk out to left-back. Wober will be given time to get sharper, but once he's ready and one of the starters slips up, the Austrian will come in and may not give up the shirt again.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United approaching Joe Gelhardt crossroads as striker hunt gathers pace
Leeds United make Alfie McCalmont decision as midfielder makes loan move to League Two
Lewis Bate's pragmatic take on his Leeds United future as he prepares for Arsenal test
Coventry City make Viktor Gyokeres stance clear amid Leeds United interest
Senne Lammens profiled as Club Brugge goalkeeper linked with Leeds United transfer
