As we edge ever closer to December the thought of opening doors on advent calendars will occupy the minds of many, but it's the prospect of a window and not a door opening which will be of most concern to many football supporters. The transfer window will metaphorically swing open in just over a month with the silly season for rumours starting, but the serious business of strengthening for clubs getting underway.
Leeds United have had an often difficult relationship with the January transfer window in recent years, much akin to a distant family member who you manage to avoid seeing at Christmas. There has been some flirtation, but the two have not been great bedfellows.
This coming January is likely to be the same, with the Whites not expected to spend a significant amount in the window, but that's not to say that business won't be done and money won't be spent. The Christmas list for many fans would be a left-back and a striker, but it's across the side head coach Jesse Marsch, along with Victor Orta will be evaluating.
READ MORE: Big Leeds United Forum - your views on ownership, Marsch, January transfers
Still, left-back and striker remain a priority, with one such player drawing greater speculation in recent weeks. Jesus Vazquez has been linked with a switch to Elland Road for a number of weeks now, but the rumblings are getting louder around a young Valencia player who fits the Orta mould in terms of a transfer.
Valencia director Javier Solís has now come out and insisted the 19-year-old ful-back is in Gennaro Gattuso’s plans. He said: "Jesus Vazquez is part of the team. The coach has already said he is very happy with him. These are situations that the sports field will have to face and that are part of the present and future of the club."
While the club are making the right soundings about keeping the player, one tied down for another three years, reports in Spain suggest a move could happen if he doesn't get the opportunities he wants to play, with Leeds linked as a possible destination.
The Whites would likely face competition from Italian giants Inter Milan as well as Bologna, who are also reportedly showing their interest.
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