Leeds United have made an excellent start to the Championship campaign and deserve their position of fifth place.

Few fancied the Peacocks in pre-season after they lost manager Garry Monk to Middlesbrough, who led them to one of their best finishes in years, despite a late fall that saw them miss out on the play-offs.

Ex-Barcelona striker Thomas Christiansen was parachuted in to take the helm at Elland Road, and his transfer window of foreign imports left question marks over where Leeds could finish in 2017/18.

Their start has been very positive - one of the key complaints over Leeds's campaign last year was an over reliance on star striker Chris Wood for goals.

That issue has been alleviated, with goals spread throughout the team.

Whilst their defensive record is sound, it could be questioned whether they have great quality in depth at centre back, with injuries and suspensions both affecting that position already this year.

Pontus Jansson and Matthew Pennington have both suffered with injuries this year, whilst Liam Cooper will now spend time on the sidelines due to suspension.

They could do with another centre half with quality in January, especially with Pennington's horrendous display against Sheffield Wednesday.

A move for Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala would be a smart one from Leeds, a man who Director of Football Victor Orta knows well, which may offer them an advantage in pursuing his signature.

Ayala is a quality defender who has been out of favour since Middlesbrough won promotion to the Premier League in 2016, but would likely slot into any defence in the Championship.

Given that he doesn't appear to feature in Garry Monk's plans for his Boro side, a move from Leeds would be smart and probably wouldn't cost much.

Leeds fans... What do you make of this? Let us know in the comments below!