NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT looks at what could happen at Leeds in the January transfer window.
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| Leeds boss Evans (left) hopes to keep hold of Byram and Cook (right) in January |
What is going at Leeds United?
The club have enjoyed a shock resurgence under Steve Evans - having flirted with the relegation spots earlier in the season.
It's almost as though things are going to plan for once.
While owner Massimo Cellino toys with the fans - telling them he is ready to sell up before frustrating everyone by changing his mind - Evans has been plugging away at rescuing Leeds on the pitch.
And it has worked. Since Uwe Rosler was sacked in October, Leeds have lost just three of 11 games. In fact, after five wins in eight and the West Yorkshire club are suddenly looking up the Championship table rather than down.
Victories over Wolves and Preston before Christmas are a great boost for the club but for Evans it means he may have more bargaining power in January when asking Cellino for transfer funds.
And with that in mind, News News Blog Sport takes a look at what could happen to Leeds in the transfer window.
What do they need?
A goalscorer, first and foremost, is a top priority at Elland Road. New Zealand striker Chris Wood has done a commendable job up front - often on his own - but the goals are drying up.
Wood has scored just four times since August, while Souleymane Doukara and Lee Erwin are yet to find the net.
Mirco Antenucci, who plays off Wood, has scored just twice in his last 14 games and winger/forward Jordan Botaka is struggling to even get off the bench.
Leeds have not really replaced Ross McCormack, who was sold to Fulham last season, and will struggle to get out of this league until they do so.
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| Stuart Dallas (left) reportedly cost Leeds around £1.5m |
How much can they spend?
Depending on how serious Cellino is on this project, it could be a lot, or it could be nothing.
Cellino signed off on some big-money moves in the summer, with Stuart Dallas arriving from Brentford for an estimated £1.5million.
But if Evans wants to splash the cash then he will probably have to sell one his promising academy products before dipping into the market himself.
Loan options are most likely at this point, with Leeds unlikely to be relegated or push for promotion there appears little point adding to a team that will only be rejigged come the summer.
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| iam Bridcutt's (left) loan at Leeds expires in January |
Who might they sign?
Leeds pushed for a long time to land Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt on loan - but his deal will expire in January.
Manager Evans may choose to extend Bridcutt's lease after starting him for United's last five games.
However, Evans' best bet at landing new recruits may come from his old side Rotherham, although former Elland Road boss Neil Redfearn would not want to lose any of his players to his old club.
Evans tried to sign Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty in the loan window but failed to get his man.
A fresh bid may come in for Northern Ireland international Lafferty, who is desperate for games ahead of Euro 2016 next summer.
But Norwich are aware that the 28-year-old may be needed next season if the Canaries are relegated to the Championship.
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| Sam Byram (left) could exit Elland Road for the right price |
Who could leave?
Sam Byram. Leeds' in-demand full-back has attracted the eye of a number of Premier League clubs over the past few months.
He is reportedly valued at £8m and has Everton, Arsenal and Liverpool on his tail.
However, Leeds may struggle to cash in on the 22-year-old.
Byram's contract expires next summer and he is holding off on penning a new deal.
The riches of the Premier League await and Byram, who can also play at right midfield, could agree a free transfer for the summer as early as January.
Leeds may therefore try and flog him on the cheap in the New Year rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.
Another young star wanted in the top flight is Lewis Cook, who is valued at £10m.
The midfielder, 18, made his debut at the start of last season and is already a key member of the United squad.
He boasts six yellow cards and a red for the club this season, having played 20 times.
Manchester United and Liverpool are said to be keen on signing the ace but York-born Cook recently spoke out against the idea of leaving Leeds.
"I'm playing my football at Leeds at the moment so I'm enjoying my time here," he told Sky Sports.
"We're doing well so we'll see what happens in the future.
"I just try not to read anything. Nothing's happened so I can't really comment on it, I'm just enjoying playing for Leeds.
"It's great for me [to be playing in the Championship] personally. It's much better than playing in the U21s somewhere.
"Playing a lot of games in the Championship at a really intense level is competitive, really good for me, and can improve you as a player."
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