Heading into the busy Christmas period, Leeds United fans will be growing more and more confident of a long-awaited return to the Premier League. 

The Whites currently sit in second place in the Championship table with Saturday's 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers opening up a five-point lead on third-placed Sheffield United.

Marcelo Bielsa has created a brilliant atmosphere at Elland Road as well as producing some tremendous football on the pitch with his high intensity, fast-flowing play proving a hit.

But, with the January transfer window approaching, he will be keen to give his side an edge in the second half of the season and Senegalese striker Mbaye Diagne is one man attracting attention.

The striker has expressed an interest in playing in England which has caught the attention of Leeds but, according to Turkish outlet Cumhuriyet, they will have to part with £18m.

Surely, though, there is a better way that money could be spent throughout the squad?

Here are THREE players they could move for...

A goalkeeper seems to be high on Bielsa's wish-list for January, and with Karl Darlow linked with a move to Elland Road, he would certainly be a wiser use of available funds.

Some competition and experience alongside Bailey Peacock-Farrell in training would be a very wise move for the January window.

If they are keen to bring in a new striker, then surely somebody proven in the Championship would be a smarter move?

Brentford's Neal Maupay already has 13 league goals to his name and would no doubt hit the ground running at Elland Road.

He would probably demand a similar fee to Diagne, but is surely a smarter investment.

Right-back has probably been the biggest bane of Bielsa's life at Leeds so far.

The likes of Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton have had to fill in when Luke Ayling has been missing through suspension or injury, and although they have done well, it is not a sustainable plan.

Matthews has done a terrific job at right-back for Sunderland this season and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, could be captured for a January bargain.