As Leeds United approach January's transfer deadline, the club are one of several Premier League sides not to have added a senior player this window.
The Whites' situation does differ considerably to those clubs who have perhaps spent the bulk of the window trimming their squads, as opposed to supplementing an ailing bunch of first-team players.
Many supporters believe failing to add any new faces this month will pose a threat to the club's Premier League status come the end of the season. While that may not necessarily be true, an addition would certainly alleviate some of the pressure which has built steadily.
It stems from an underwhelming summer window in which Leeds added Junior Firpo, Kristoffer Klaesson, Daniel James and Jack Harrison on permanent deals.
Klaesson is yet to make his debut for the club, while Firpo has struggled with injuries and COVID, meaning he has been robbed of any rhythm on the pitch during his first season.
Daniel James' introduction has been welcomed but so far his return in the final third is nothing to get too excited over, while Harrison's prior three-season loan rendered his permanent switch little more than a formality.
The Whites have lodged bids for Red Bull Salzburg's Brenden Aaronson this month, but are unlikely to go back to the Austrian champions with a third approach, not least until the summer window.
Aaronson is a neat fit stylistically for the way in which Leeds play, but it is not a deal the club seek to complete at upwards of £20 million this month.
Last night, reports emerged linking Leeds with an approach for Liverpool's Takumi Minamino. The Japanese international has been starved of regular game-time at Anfield this season, something which has largely been the case since he arrived in England from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are reluctant to see the 27-year-old attacker leave on loan with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both at the African Cup of Nations and while they still battle on all fronts - domestic and continental.
However, The Athletic report Liverpool may be receptive to a permanent transfer as they look to seal a move for FC Porto attacker Luis Diaz.
Leeds' reported pursuit of the Liverpool forward suggests the Whites are still looking at players in the mold of Daniel James, rather than a more conventional centre-forward to fill the considerable gap left by the injured Patrick Bamford.
Minamino has led Liverpool's line on occasion, as well as playing out wide where his physical profile suggests he'd be a more natural fit.
Similarly, this season Daniel James has deputised for Bamford in a central role. Both he and Minamino are rarely involved in build-up, instead positioning themselves to execute the final action of a move.
Minamino is also a keen worker off the ball, posting high pressing numbers, as per FBRef.com, which is a pre-requisite for any Leeds addition.
That positional versatility suggests Bamford's latest injury problem is not too severe, otherwise a No. 9 to see out the season would have been prioritised over a player who bears a striking stylistic resemblance to James.
If Leeds were able to bring in Minamino, it would probably green light a loan exit for Crysencio Summerville.
LeedsLive understand the Dutch winger has been the subject of several approaches but Leeds are keen to hold onto the 20-year-old as Marcelo Bielsa's fourth-choice wide option, unless a replacement can be signed.
Given Minamino's similarities to James, he could fulfil two functions: temporarily standing in for Bamford if required, while retaining depth in the wide areas to facilitate a loan where Summerville can benefit from valuable minutes.
