Leeds United are one of the biggest sides in the Championship, but have been undergoing a difficult spell in the last 10 years, mainly down to financial turbulence.

So far this season they've had enough drama that would be enough for any club over the course of an entire season, under controversial chairman Massimo Cellino they went into the season with the hope of finishing in the top six, after making some shrewd signings in the shape of Chris Wood and Stuart Dallas.

Under manager Uwe Rosler they started well and were on a long unbeaten run, but it comprised mainly of draws and when their run was finally ended by Ipswich, a string of defeats followed, including their shambolic 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.

After he was sacked due to a home defeat to leaders Brighton, ex-Rotherham manager Steve Evans was appointed to guide Leeds in what looked like a possible relegation fight.

With the reported interest in Sunderland's Liam Bridcutt and Norwich's Kyle Lafferty, Evans seems intent on strengthening the squad in preparation for an important six months.

Here are FIVE issues Leeds United must resolve in January.....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE ISSUES!

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Letting the manager and the squad settle

Steve Evans' Leeds host MK Dons this afternoon (3pm kick-off)

Seems to of been Leeds' problem in the past with the trigger happy nature of Cellino.

The Italian has been widely criticised by fans for firing managers after a short run of bad form and not allowing the manager to settle, and properly implement his philosophy.

Redfearn is a prime example of a manger that was unjustly sacked after a short run of negative results, but he seemed to be laying the groundwork for future success, by bringing the academy players through.

With Evans at the helm, Leeds look a whole lot better and Cellino must let him settle at the club to implement his ideas, as a long serving manager is the only way a club can be successful, whether Cellino is capable of this is unknown, given how many managers he has sacked in his time.

Stability in the boardroom

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Important at a time like this as it concerns the manager and the squad.

The leadership of Cellino has been widely criticised during his tenure and earlier this month he turned down the opportunity to sell the club to Leeds Fans United, despite the move looking done.

There is interest from local businessman Steve Parkin, and Cellino needs to make a decision on the club's leadership soon or this instability will rock the club to its very foundation.

Strengthening the squad

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Probably the most important factor for Evans and whoever the chairman is will be the January transfer window.

To ensure a good relationship between manager and chairman, the funds will have to be there for Evans so he can bring in the players they want.

They have a chequered transfer past with most signings coming from Italy's B league and most have arguably been flops, but recent signings from the English clubs seem to have been successful as Chris Wood has started well.

But Evans will be keen to strengthen, and reportedly they are keen on bringing in Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt and out of favour Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty which will give them more squad depth.

Keeping hold of their players

Could Sam Byram be moving to West Ham this month?

Another crucial factor for Leeds's recovery is that they must keep hold of their key players.

They have a good core of young English players such as Sam Byram, Lewis Cook and Alex Mowatt and they must keep them in order to progress.

They are all linked with big money moves away from the club, especially Byram who is proving difficult in contract discussions and has been long linked with a move to Everton.

Leeds can't afford to lose these players but if they do they should invest the money wisely.

Home form

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This has long been Leeds' problem as before there 1-0 win over Cardiff this month, they had failed to win a game at home in seven months.

Elland Road is a famous old ground with usually a good passionate support behind them, and if they are looking to push on they must turn it into a fortress again under Evans.

Make it a hard place to go to by reducing ticket prices to allow the fans to pack it out every weekm as the atmosphere at Elland Road seems to of lost its electrifying edge.

What else do you need to sort out Leeds fans? Leave thoughts and opinions below!