It’s been a sensational first half of the season for Marcelo Bielsa and his Leeds United side, sitting top of the Championship table after 26 games. However injuries and suspensions seem to have taken their toll on The Whites who, following their defeat to Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup, have now lost 3 games in succession. With this it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bielsa dipping into the market during the January window to bolster his squad, and we’ll look at what signatures the Argentine could be coveting this month.

Goalkeeper

Linked With – Karl Darlow (Newcastle) and Tom Heaton (Burnley)

A problem position for many seasons for Leeds, the club may once again be on the hunt for a new number 1 this window. Bailey Peacock-Farrell has struggled following his promotion to first choice keeper, unable to replicate the impressive form which had seen him displace the disappointing Felix Wiedwald midway through last season. Peacock-Farrell remains the Elland Road sides only senior keeper, as Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman returned to his parent club after suffering a broken tibia, so it would be no surprise to see Bielsa bring in a new goalkeeper to at the very least provide cover for his under fire first choice.

Karl Darlow appears the most likely man to be walking through the door at Elland Road, currently languishing in the Newcastle reserves following their permanent signing of Martin Dúbravka. A starter during The Magpies Championship winning season of 16/17, Darlow would appear the ideal fit for another side aiming for the Premier League, and would be eager on the move after only making one senior appearance for Newcastle this season in the EFL Cup.

The other name being earmarked for an Elland Road move is experienced Burnley shot-stopper Tom Heaton. The Englishman has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and now faces stiff competition from his compatriots Nick Pope and Joe Hart for the place between the sticks at Turf Moor. Despite this the veteran has started Burnley’s last two Premier League games, only conceding one goal during two vital victories which have seen The Clarets claw themselves out of the relegation zone, so it would be quite a coup for Leeds to secure the signature of the man capped 3 times by his country. However the influence of Bielsa may yet have a telling effect on Heaton’s future.

Winger

Linked with – Steven Zuber (Hoffenheim) and Ibai Gómez (Alavés)

Injuries in attacking areas have limited Bielsa’s options so far this season going forward, with high profile summer signings such as Patrick Bamford and Izzy Brown both struggling for fitness since their moves to Elland Road, and reports have emerged that Bielsa is keen to bring in quality winger to add to his attacking options. Samu Saiz’s departure to Getafe has opened up space on the transfer budget for Leeds to bring in a replacement, and Bielsa is keen to bring in another player for his depleted frontline.

Swiss winger Steven Zuber has emerged as an ambitious target for Bielsa, who is a known admirer of versatility in his players and the current Hoffenheim man certainly fills that criteria. Zuber has proven his capabilities as a full back as well as his traditional winger position at Champions League level with the Germans, and would be a superb acquisition for Championship level football.

Bielsa’s former player at Athletic Bilbao Ibai Gómez is also a potential mover to Elland Road. The Spaniard has vast experience of La Liga and European football, and his contract at Alavés is due to expire at the end of the season, . Bilbao are also reportedly interested in bringing the winger back, so Leeds will have to move quickly to secure his signature,but Bielsa will be confident of getting the best out of his former player.

Featured Image Credit: AP