Despite sitting third in the Championship table, Leeds United’s position is looking perilous with the number of injuries that are being accumulated by the West Yorkshire side. Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman was the latest casualty, breaking his leg in a recent under 23 fixture and has since returned to his parent club for treatment.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa has enjoyed a strong start at Elland Road since joining the club in the summer, but the Argentine will need to demonstrate his worth with some much-needed January signings. United are already without long-term absentee’s Gaetano Berardi and Luke Ayling in defence so the back line will need strengthening to maintain Leeds’ promotion charge.

No.1 goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has looked shaky in recent weeks which puts further impetus on Bielsa targeting an astute and experienced goalie. Even up top, injuries to Patrick Bamford and Isaiah Brown have nullified United’s attacking threat, though Keemar Roofe has chipped in with seven league goals.

For Bielsa, it’s a pivotal time of the season which could in fact make-or-break the former Lazio boss’ tenure at the helm of Leeds. For many, it was expected he would move to one of Europe’s elite with a Champions League team the more likely destination. However, perhaps Bielsa wants to return the glory days to Elland Road, but he’ll need to make the necessary signings this January before such dreams can be realised. Perhaps Bielsa’s future team will be playing next week in the final round of group games, odds of which can be found here:

https://www.betfair.com/exchange/plus/football/competition/228

Here, we take a look at three players who could sustain The Whites’ quest for a long-awaited return to the Premier League next season…

Tom Heaton - (Burnley)

The former England goalkeeper has found himself surplus to requirements at Turf Moor in recent times with Nick Pope and Joe Hart preferred. For Heaton, a long-term injury meant he lost his place in the starting XI and he has never been able to regain his place.

A loan move could be a viable option for Leeds, with Burnley likely to let him leave on a temporary basis in January so Bielsa should move quickly. Strong, agile and with a wealth of Premier League experience, Heaton would make a fine acquisition to The Whites and his presence would benefit the whole squad.

Benny Ashley-Seal - (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

A relatively unknown quantity outside of the Black Country, Benny Ashley-Seal is a 20-year-old striker who could potentially provide the firepower Leeds require. Quick, strong and with a keen eye for goal, Ashley-Seal has been making great strides in Wolves’ U23 side where he recently notched seven goals in just three Premier League 2 outings.

Having previously been on the books with Arsenal, Chelsea and Norwich City, Ashley-Seal has an expansive football education that could seemingly bode well at Elland Road. Despite only making one League Cup appearance for Wolves, the youngster showed plenty of potential and even tried to take a penalty away from Helder Costa – further displaying his determination and passion for the game. A loan switch to West Yorkshire could be just the perfect tonic for both club and player.

Angel Rangel – (Queens Park Rangers)

Veteran full-back Angel Rangel has been a revelation at Queens Park Rangers since signing a short-term deal in the summer. It appeared that Rangel was only signed to provide cover for the injured Darnell Furlong, who suffered an ACL injury in pre-season but Rangel has cemented his place in QPR’s starting XI with some swashbuckling performances.

Quickly becoming a fans favourite at Loftus Road - especially after his double in their 2-2 draw against Stoke City - it’s unclear whether the Spaniard will finish the season in west London, so from Leeds’ perspective, trying to muscle in on a deal would prove a massive boost for a depleted looking back-line if they could manufacture something. Only time will tell if Bielsa swoops but he should certainly be on their radar.