4 moves Leeds need to make in the January transfer window

The annual January scramble for fresh blood is a little over a week away, with the transfer window opening on Saturday 2 January.

Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be looking for some timely additions to his squad, with a whole heap of names already being heavily linked with a move to Elland Road.

14 matches into the campaign Leeds sit comfortably in 14th, seven points clear of the relegation zone and more than likely looking up the table rather than nervously over their shoulder.

Bielsa's team have delighted neutral viewers with their unapologetically attacking style of play, but Whites fans themselves would likely enjoy not conceding so many goals.

The goal-fest specialists have only been involved in one goalless draw and have the worst defensive record in the league. Their 6-2 thrashing by Manchester United saw their goals conceded tally rise to 30, an average of more than two a game.

It is, however, unlikely that their attacking play will save them from a relegation scrap if they continue to defend in this manner. Defensive reinforcements must be a necessity for Bielsa who, despite his insistence on attacking football, would surely like to see fewer goals conceded.

Here are some signings that would help ensure their Premier League status in the second half of the season.

1. Target a new centre-back

The Whites were linked with Arsenal's Rob Holding all summer and had supposedly agreed personal terms with him, before Mikel Arteta pulled the plug on the deal.

Holding has since played his way back into his manager's favour, meaning a transfer now looks unlikely. However, a more realistic transfer target might be Fikayo Tomori.

The Chelsea centre-half enjoyed a breakout season last campaign and impressed in his 15 outings. However this season, with the arrival of Thiago Silva and Frank Lampard's obvious preference of Kurt Zouma at the heart of his defence, playing time has been severely limited for the young England international.

A move to Leeds for the remainder of the season could be a welcome solution to all those involved, as Leeds would bolster their defensive ranks with an imposing, pacy defender to help the less mobile Liam Cooper.

2. Reinforcements at left-back

Left-back is another area the Yorkshire club needs to strengthen, with Leeds linked with Norwegian Frederick Andre Bjorkan by Teamtalk.

Bielsa would no doubt enjoy the purchase of a naturally left-sided full-back, with natural wingers Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski being forced to play out of position at the back so far this campaign.

The 22-year-old would be leaving Bodo Glimt on a high, having featured in all 30 league matches in their title-winning season this year, finishing a whopping 19 points ahead of second-placed Molde.

3. Bolster the front line

Having said that Leeds should probably be looking at defensive reinforcements, it is no surprise they have been linked with attackers galore.

Michael Olise has been one of Reading's many impressive performers this season, scoring four and assisting seven in the league so far. This is even more impressive considering the Frenchman only turned 19 this month.

This signing would undoubtedly be one for the future, and with Liverpool also interested, it would be a signal of their intent to stay in the Premier League for years to come.

He is rumoured to have an £8m release clause and can play across the front line. Sounds like a goer.

4. Make a statement

A 90min exclusive previously revealed Leeds' interest in signing Spain international Adama Traoré from Wolves.

Without a goal or assist so far this season, despite having appeared in every league game for the Midlands club, the Spaniard's season has not taken off just yet.

With the 24-year-old's contract set to expire in 2023, Wolves (growing increasingly annoyed at lack of contract talk progress) would be unlikely to sanction a loan move and he would not come cheap to Bielsa.

With his attacking players performing well, in the form of Patrick Bamford, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison, the undoubtedly high fee could perhaps be better spent elsewhere, but what a signing it would be.