Leeds United have been one of the strongest teams in the Sky Bet Championship under Garry Monk this season.

After a difficult start to the campaign, the Whites sit in 5th place in the league table only two points off third place Reading, and if they can continue their impressive form then there is every chance that they could have a chance at promotion this season.

The disastrous ownership of Massimo Cellino is also set to come to an end in the near future with fellow countryman Andrea Radrizzani in negotiations to take over the club, meaning there could be funds to spend in the January transfer window.

Leeds full-back Charlie Taylor looks destined to move to pastures new in the new year and with a few players linked to join the club such as former midfielder Lewis Cook there could be movements in 2017.

Here is the potential new-look Leeds United XI in 2017 under Garry Monk.....

 

GK - Rob Green

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The experienced goalkeeper has been an important player for Gary Monk so far this season.

The former England international has experience of promotion with teams such as West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers and this could be vital for the Whites should they make the play offs in May.

The Leeds defence has been one of the best in the league this season and Green has been a key player in this.

RB - Luke Ayling

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Luke Ayling has impressed many this season with his consistently strong performances on the right side of defence.

His energy, work rate and defensive attributes has earned him plaudits from fans and pundits so far this season, and he has been another key part of one of the strongest defences in the league.

Ayling has experienced promotion with both Yeovil Town and Bristol City and will be determined to enjoy that feeling again, this time to the Premier League.

CB - Kyle Bartley

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Bartley has led by example for Leeds this season, wearing the captains armband in the absence of Liam Bridcutt and becoming a vital player in the heart of the Leeds back four.

His partnership with fan favourite Pontus Jansson has been exceptional so far this campaign, and both defenders could lead Garry Monk's side to promotion this season if they continue their superb form together.

CB - Pontus Jansson

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Signing Pontus Jansson on a permanent deal would be the perfect way for the new potential owner Andrea Radrizzani to please fans in January.

Despite clubs in the Premier League reportedly monitoring the progress of Jansson, if Leeds were to tie the 25-year-old to a permanent deal then it could be one of the coups of the season.

Jansson's passion and heart in a Leeds United shirt is fantastic and he is quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in the league.

 

LB - Ben Purrington

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The Plymouth Argyle youngster is tipped to be one of the next big things coming out of the Football League, and will be available for free in the summer if he chooses not to extend his stay at Home Park.

The Pilgrims are in fine form this season where they sit top of Sky Bet League Two and Purrington has been an important part of their success so far.

Although he may not have experience of playing in the higher leagues, the fact that Leeds would battle with Premier League clubs to sign him speaks volumes about his ability.

Purrington has similar attributes to Taylor and it would be a excellent signing by Gary Monk should he decide to go for him in January.

CDM - Liam Bridcutt

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The club captain returning from his recent injury set back is massive boost for Garry Monk and his side.

Although players such as Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira have stood in for the former Sunderland man magnificently, you will struggle to find a better holding midfielder in the league than Bridcutt.

His leadership in the heart of midfield is invaluable to Leeds United and he will continue to be an important figure going into 2017.

 

CM - Kalvin Phillips

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Kalvin Phillips has easily been one of the best young players in the Championship this season and will no doubt continue to be a key player or them in 2017.

The 21-year-old's energy and desire to win the ball in midfield has been instrumental this season and alongside Liam Bridcutt and potentially Lewis Cook he is only going to get better.

CM - Lewis Cook

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The return of Lewis Cook into the Leeds United midfield would be massive boost for them going into 2017.

Since making the move to the South coast, Cook has failed to make an impact in the Cherries side with the likes of Harry Arter and Jack Wilshere all above him in the pecking order.

Leeds already have a number of talented centre midfielders but the signing of Cook would give them even more squad depth going into 2017.

RM- Hadi Sacko

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The Leeds winger continues to terrorise Championship full backs every week and is an important player in the Whites' attacking arsenal.

His pace, flair and ability to assist the likes of Chris Wood will only bring success for Gary Monk for the remainder of the season.

LM - Kemar Roofekemar-roofe00999s

Roofe struggled to make an impact at the start of the season but you sense that he starting to grasp playing at Championship level.

The former Oxford United's man influence in the Leeds attack has been important at times this season, and if he can continue to develop his game it is only a matter of time before he makes a real difference in this side.

ST - Chris Wood

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The Leeds striker continues to be one of the most prolific strikers in the league with 14 goals already this season.

If the former Leicester City forward can stay fit, then he could be the man to help fire them to the Premier League with his ability of being able to score many different types of goals.

Leeds United fans... Is this the team to get you promoted in 2017? Would you welcome Lewis Cook back to the club? Could Ben Purrington be the ideal replacement for Taylor should he choose to leave the club? Let us know what you think in the comments below!