Leeds United have returned to form in recent weeks, with Thomas Christiansen’s side back in contention for a playoff spot.

The Dane guided his side from a difficult spell, and will look to push on in the coming weeks to ensure his side remain in the hunt for a promotion spot.

Christiansen was busy in the summer, bringing in a plethora of talent from across Europe to bolster his squad ahead of a tough season, and the former Barcelona man could be at it again in the new year as he takes advantage of his final opportunity to prepare his side for the second half of the season.

Christiansen will have a number of new year targets, and these five should be at the top of his list…

Scott McTominay

With Mateusz Klich likely to leave, Leeds need another option in the middle, and the Manchester United man could be the perfect player to add quality to the midfield at Elland Road.

Leeds have several fantastic options, with the likes of Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips proving to be excellent additions to the squad following their graduation from the academy in recent years, but one more face could be needed.

McTominay is in the United first-team squad and playing so Jose Mourinho may be keen to keep him, but Christiansen should try his luck and attempt to land the player.

Alex McCarthy

The 28-year-old is behind Fraser Forster in the pecking order at Southampton, and may seek a move in January to finally regain a number one spot.

Leeds have struggled in goal all season, with Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan making mistakes on a regular basis, and the Whites need a safe pair of hands in goals if they are to be promoted this year.

McCarthy is a talented player who is in desperate need of regular minutes, and Leeds could prove to be the perfect destination for the player.

Amari’i Bell

Leeds need a left-back, and Bell could prove to be the perfect addition to the squad.

The youngster has impressed during his spell with Fleetwood under former Leeds boss Uwe Rosler, and appears ready to make the step-up to the Championship having been allowed to leave by boyhood club Birmingham City.

Rosler will be keen to keep the player with the Trawlermen launching a promotion bid of their own, but Christiansen should gamble on the player in the new year to solve his problem at left-back.

Nelson Oliveira

Leeds have money to spend having sold Chris Wood for £15 million in the summer, and are yet to find the right man to replace the big Kiwi.

Oliveira has a fantastic record in the second tier following spells with Nottingham Forest and Norwich City, and a proven striker is exactly what Christiansen needs.

£4.5 million-rated Oliveira could score goals for fun with Ezgjan Alioski and Samu Saiz laying on the assists, and Christiansen may ask chairman Andrea Radrizzani for a huge cheque in the new year to achieve his Premier League dream.

Jack Marriott

Leeds are in need of a striker, and should take a punt on the prolific Peterborough United man.

Marriott only joined the Posh in the summer following a goal laden period with Luton, but could be on the move again already.

It would take a decent sized bid to prise the player away from London Road, and Peterborough boss Grant McCann is unlikely to harbour any desire to sell.

Marriott is young and scoring goals in English football so could be an excellent addition at Elland Road, potentially passing the exploits of former Posh strikers Britt Assombalonga and Dwight Gayle.

Leeds fans, who would you like to see join in the new year? Have your say below...