With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Jesse Marsch will no doubt have one eye on the end of the season as he gets set to strengthen his ranks. Leeds United didn't make a senior signing in January, with Marcelo Bielsa preferring to stick with a smaller squad but it proved to catch up with him in the end when he was sacked after three-and-a-half years in charge.
The Whites have suffered a number of injury worries this season, with Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper all missing more than three months of action. This has meant under-23s have had to step up in their absences. Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell are amongst those to step up from the academy and into the first-team this term.
However, Marsch has managed to guide the Whites to two victories from his opening four matches and has seemingly changed the mentality around the dressing room after a disappointing run under Bielsa. Back-to-back wins over Wolves and Norwich have lifted Leeds seven points clear of the relegation zone.
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Although Leeds aren't mathematically safe from relegation, the Whites will probably need just two more wins from their final eight matches to stay up. So, with that mind, here is a look at three positions that Marsch will need to address in the summer if they are to compete in the Premier League next season.
Left-back
Junior Firpo hasn't quite hit the heights some supporters were hoping he would when he made the £13million move from Barcelona last summer. The 25-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in English football, leading to questions over his long-term future at the club.
The full-back is also now out injured until at least May, leaving Stuart Dallas as the only other capable option, although he is preferred in central midfield. Leeds' lack of depth in this role is evident given they have just one recognised left-back in the squad after Ezgjan Alioski left last summer.
Leeds are set to focus their attention on a new addition in this position, with Sergio Gomez reportedly on their radar. The Anderlecht man has registered six goals and 14 assists in 41 appearances this season and has stood out in the Belgian Pro League. However, the Whites are expected to face a fight for his signature, with Manchester United and Everton also keen.
Striker
Bamford's absence has possibly hit Leeds harder than anyone else expected. The 28-year-old was their top scorer last term with 17 goals in 38 matches but has struggled with fitness all campaign. Having suffered an ankle issue in September, he also picked up foot and hamstring injuries which had kept him out until earlier this month.
Subsequently, the Whites haven't scored as many goals this season, netting just 34 times in 30 games. They have also missed his all-round play and how he manages to lead the line in attack. Greenwood, Gelhardt and Rodrigo have all tried to occupy that lone striker role, but haven't been able to replicate similar performances.
This is a position that the Whites must add depth in the summer. Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz has been linked with a move to Elland Road, but that could be difficult considering his injury record. Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah could be available when he contract expires at Arsenal.
Central midfielder
With Phillips' future up in the air, Leeds may need to dip into the midfielder market and add another body to their squad at the end of the season. Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw have both had good seasons, but neither have been able to play every week due to fitness issues.
This has led to Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk having to drop into midfield - something Marsch won't want to do on a regular basis if he doesn't have to. Lewis Bate has also come in to make his debut, while Rodrigo has often had to play in a deeper role to help out his teammates.
Despite not featuring for over three months with a hamstring problem, Phillips has been tipped for a move away from the Whites. Manchester United and Aston Villa have supposedly expressed an interest in the 26-year-old, who still has three years left on his contract. But Leeds are hoping to hand him a new deal to ensure his long-term future remains at Elland Road.
USA international Brendan Aaronson was heavily linked with joining Leeds in January, however, Red Bull Salzburg weren't willing to let him leave given their participation in the Champions League. Meanwhile, John Swift and Lewis O'Brien are also on the Whites' radar, having both impressed in the Championship this term.
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