Leeds United were beaten by high-flying Newcastle this weekend but that shouldn't dampen their spirits because they have been exceptional so far this season.

Under the guidance of Garry Monk, Leeds have been transformed from a lower mid-table team to a side that could genuinely be challenging for promotion.

There is a long way to go yet but the platform has been set for a successful season and Leeds fans will certainly be hoping that they will be up there in May, ready to compete in the play-offs at the very least.

Ensuring this turns out to be the case might hinge on Leeds' business in the January window.

If they add a bit more quality to their ranks then they heighten the standards of the squad and increase competition for places, which gets the best out of everyone.

But it is hard to find good value in January and so they might be limited to loan moves.

Here are three players they could draft in on loan from Manchester United in January.

Sam Johnstone

Whilst Leeds United goalkeeper Rob Green has been reliable for most of this season, his early error ultimately cost them the game against Newcastle and he also made a clanger in the opening game against QPR.

Sam Johnstone's arrival would give Rob Green some genuine competition for the number one spot.

The 23-year-old has had numerous loan spells in the Championship so he knows the league well and he currently finds himself as third choice at Old Trafford behind David De Gea and Sergio Romero.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah

After an exciting breakthrough season with Manchester United last year, Timothy Fosu-Mensah was widely tipped to play a big part this season.

Jose Mourinho doesn't seem to be as impressed as everyone else, though, limiting the 18-year-old to four games this season and just one minute of Premier League football.

The Dutchman needs to be playing to develop his game so he is first team ready and he could add versatility to the Leeds squad as he is able to play all across the defence and as a defensive midfielder.

Axel Tuanzebe

Another defensive option Leeds could look to bring in would be Axel Tuanzebe.

The 19-year-old is highly rated by Manchester United and is often included with the first team activities.

While it is hard to see how the England youth international would dislodge the Kyle Bartley/Pontus Jansson partnership, he would certainly keep them on their toes and learn a lot from Championship football.

 

Leeds fans - would you take any of these three? What could they add to the squad? Let us know in the comments below...