Leeds United’s start to 2024 has been ideal with three victories in a row, but manager Daniel Farke will know that much work remains to close the gap between his surging team and Ipswich Town in second place. Given that Southampton is now firmly in the picture and that the Whites are seven points behinda’ Kieran McKenns high-flying team, the Yorkshire giants will need to mount a serious push for automatic promotion over the next few weeks and months. In order to meet that task, Farke will probably need to bring in more players to bolster a roster that had a number of departures over the summer. However, the only activity that has occurred this month has been the departure of Djed Spence, Darko Gyabi, and Luke Ayling.
The Elland Road side gladly waved that peripheral trio out, but worries might exist that the team has so far been weakened in the winter transfer season rather than enhanced, even with the encouraging announcement that teenage wonder Archie Gray has signed a new ‘long-term agreement’ at the club. With the losses of Spence and Ayling, Farke and company are reportedly prioritizing the recruitment of at least one new full-back. However, David Brooks of Bournemouth might also be a new addition to the attacking ranks. This information comes from Phil Hay of The Athletic. After Brooks departed Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United back in 2018, Hay’s latest report claims Leeds think a ‘additional offensive midfielder’ could be ‘helpful’ between now and the end of the season. Brooks is described as a ‘player of interest’.
The 26-year-old’s loan departure this month is being cautiously accepted by the Cherries, but Hay hinted that this position would “soften” as the transfer window approaches its conclusion, raising the possibility that a deal involving the Wales international could be finalized. Despite being limited to just two league starts this season, the 5′ 8″ playmaker will probably be eager to show off his skills with a regular amount of playing time.
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