For the first time in many, many years, there is genuine hope that Leeds United can make a return to the Premier League.

After being stranded in the lower leagues for thirteen years, the sleeping giants could finally win promotion back to the top flight this season.

Under the guidance of Garry Monk, Leeds United have successfully turned around a shaky start to the season and they now sit in 4th place with eight games to play.

Eight points separate them from the automatic promotion places and they are within the play-off zone by a cushion of eight points too.

This means that Leeds will probably end up in the play-offs although they have an outside chance of gaining automatic promotion.

If Leeds do go up, they will be very keen to spend some money in the summer to avoid coming straight back down.

Here are 3 players they should try to poach from the Championship if they do get promoted.

Tammy Abraham

If Leeds go up, they will need a second striker who can fill in if Chris Wood gets injured.

Tammy Abraham is currently on loan at Bristol City and he is unlikely to break into the Chelsea first team next season so he may be spending another year on loan.

After netting 19 Championship goals for the Robins so far, Abraham's next challenge is likely to be in the top flight and Leeds could do with another goal scoring striker in their ranks in case Wood gets injured or loses form.

Jonny Howson

If Leeds go back to the Premier League, they should try to tempt Jonny Howson back to the club.

The consistent Norwich central midfielder is not the most spectacular player in the world but he always puts in a decent shift.

Leeds will need Howson's Premier League experience if they are to survive in the top flight and young stars like Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira could learn a lot from the 28-year-old.

Tom Ince

Another area which needs improving in the summer is the attacking midfielders and wingers.

Tom Ince of Derby will be looking for a route back into the Premier League after the Rams fell short yet again and Leeds could benefit from his talent.

The 25-year-old contributes with goals and assists but his application is questionable at times.

If they get a motivated Ince, they could have a very special player on their hands.