Leeds United moved a step closer to securing their spot in the Championship play-off positions at the end of the season as they beat second-placed Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road on Saturday, and they also kept their faint hopes of a place in the automatic promotion spots too.

The Whites are eight points behind the Seagulls and the same distance above seventh-placed Fulham with eight matches remaining, and supporters are starting to dream that the Yorkshire outfit are on the verge of a return to the Premier League after a 13-year absence.

Garry Monk’s side have had a number of star performers during the campaign that have helped them reach their lofty position, and the former Swansea manager will know that some especially have shown that they are ready to make the step up to the top flight.

Here are four Leeds United players that are ready to make the jump up to the Premier League…

Charlie Taylor

The Leeds United academy graduate has been linked with a move to Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on numerous occasions over the last couple of seasons, and as a result of not being allowed to leave he chose not to extend his current deal with the club, which is due to expire in the summer.

The 23-year-old’s future at Elland Road is by no means settled though, and if Garry Monk’s side do win promotion then the impressive left-back could be persuaded to stay with the club he has grown up with as he would have achieved his goal of playing in the top flight.

Pontus Jansson

Leeds supporters probably wouldn’t have expected the Swedish centre-back to make quite the impression he has after he joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Torino last summer.

The 26-year-old has gone on to form a formidable partnership with Kyle Bartley at the heart of the Garry Monk’s side’s defence, and has established himself as a fans’ favourites with his committed performances.

Strong in the air and comfortable on the ball, Jansson – who will move to Elland Road on a permanent three-year deal at the end of the campaign – has all of the attributes to be a success in the Premier League.

Ronaldo Vieira

He may only be 18 years of age, but the central midfielder has already shown that he has a maturity beyond his years with some fine performances in the middle of the park for the Whites this season.

The Guinea-Bissau born has been a regular fixture in the team this term and has formed a strong partnership with Liam Bridcutt in recent weeks – one that has been a part of why Leeds have been so solid defensively as they aim for promotion.

Chris Wood

The 25-year-old is the top goalscorer in the Championship after netting 24 goals in 36 league appearances, and with a record like that you would fancy the New Zealand international to make the step up to the Premier League.

A great finisher and strong in the air too, Wood has all of the key ingredients to be a successful striker in the top flight, and he would surely continue to lead the line for Garry Monk’s men if they win promotion at the end of the season.

Do you agree, Leeds fans? Let us know below.