Hopes of being promoted to the Premier League remain very realistic for Leeds United as they head into tonight's play-off semi-final second leg.

On Saturday evening they took a 1-0 victory from Derby County at Pride Park and will surely be confident of making it to Wembley tonight, where they would face Aston Villa.

But, given the time of year and regardless of what happens tonight or in the play-off final, attentions at the club will have already turned to the transfer window and carrying out negotiations for players who could be of use in the Premier League or the Championship.

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The club have been heavily criticised at times this season for their lacklustre nature in the transfer windows.

In the summer, Patrick Bamford arrived and has proven to be a useful addition but the likes of Lewis Baker, Jamal Blackman and Izzy Brown certainly did not do the same.

January saw just one new arrival with Kiko Casilla making the move from Real Madrid although it also brought us deadline day drama with Swansea City winer Dan James.

Whether they are promoted or not, Leeds have to become more deadly in the transfer window and recent news coming out of Stoke City should kick them into gear.

According to the Sentinel, Nathan Jones is ready to intensify his pursuit of Portsmouth centre-back Matt Clarke, one of League One's stand-out players from this season.

The 23-year-old is someone Leeds have been linked with in recent months as well, and this is surely the time to start being more ruthless in the transfer window.

It is no secret that Marcelo Bielsa has had serious problems in defence this season.

When either Liam Cooper or Pontus Jansson picked up an injury or a suspension, it all became very makeshift or very inexperienced back there.

Clarke is somebody who can come in and seriously challenge both Cooper and Jansson for a starting spot straight away as well as being a very smart investment.

Stoke increasing their interest in Cooper should not perturb Leeds, in fact it should kick them into gear themselves.