Leeds United's season has been mostly upwards, with a few downs in recent weeks.

They fell to defeat at the weekend at home to Cardiff City but then beat Bristol City in the midweek clash to keep pace with the rest of the promotion hopefuls.

 

Leeds currently sit 5th in the Championship table and are genuine contenders for promotion - albeit probably via the play-offs (although automatic promotion is not out of reach yet).

It remains to be seen which division Leeds will be playing their football in next season but it has been a successful debut year in charge for Monk.

Moving onto the long-term future at Leeds United, the club need to start considering who'll still be there come next season and there's a number of players who are out-of-contract this summer, but Cellino and Monk will be keen to tie them down to new deals.

Here's two of those in the first-team that Leeds need to do their best to put pen-to-paper on new contracts at the end of the season...

Charlie Taylor

The 23-year-old has been surrounded with newspaper talk for the last 18 months or so, with numerous Premier League sides reportedly showing an interest last year.

Charlie Taylor's contract is up this summer and was free to talk to potential suitors during January, although there has been nothing to say he's already agreed a deal with a different club.

He's also one of the most promising players to come out of the prestigious Leeds United academy, and did so alongside Lewis Cook and Alex Mowatt - who have both moved since last season.

Taylor has made 25 appearances for the Championship outfit this term and has been one of the most influential and important members of Garry Monk's first-team.

Whether they're playing in the second tier or top flight next season, Leeds need to tie Charlie Taylor down to a new deal because he has been one of their best players in recent times.

Pablo Hernandez

Pablo Hernandez joined Leeds last summer, initially on loan.

The attack-minded midfielder then signed on a permanent basis in January on a short-term deal, meaning his contract will expire at the end of the season - although the club do have an option to trigger a further 12 months.

The Spaniard has played in 24 matches for the Yorkshire club this campaign and has offered a lot of experience to Garry Monk's team, having spent the majority of his career in his homeland's top flight.

Hernandez has made six assists this year as well, proving just how valuable he is to this Leeds United team, and that is why they need to trigger that clause in his contract meaning he can stay until summer 2018, whether they be in this league or Premier League.

Leeds fans - would you extend these deals? Who else would you like to see commit their future to Leeds? Let us know in the comments below...