As we approach January, the Leeds United board may be casting one eye towards the winter transfer window but their first priority should be to secure the future of Ezgjan Alioski.

The versatile Macedonian is currently contracted until just 2021, meaning he is set to leave the Yorkshire club at the end of this season, unless a new deal can be negotiated.

It has been reported recently that the club are in talks with the 28-year-old over a new deal, but nothing has been confirmed so far and considering that foreign clubs will be able to open talks with Alioski in January, with the view to signing him on a free transfer in the summer, the Whites arguably need to act fast if they want to keep him at the club.

Since joining the Yorkshire club in 2017 from Swiss side FC Lugano, he has gone on to make 142 appearances, in which he has contributed 20 goals and 16 assists, via Transfermarkt.

Alioski has shown himself to be extremely versatile during his time with Leeds, having featured as a full-back and winger on both the left and right-hand sides.

He has also been a regular in Marcelo Bielsa's side so far this season, having made eight appearances in the top-flight, in which he has averaged a 6.55 rating, as per WhoScored.

When speaking to Football Insider earlier this year, Kevin Phillips also suggested that Leeds must do everything they can to keep Alioski at the club, saying:

“From what I gather his attitude is good and every club needs a player like that.

“He is a player who can unlock the door and he has a brilliant work rate.

“When he comes off the bench he can change the game and if you start with him he might be able to produce a bit of magic. Either way, he does not moan and every squad needs a player like that."

Therefore, it can definitely be argued that he is currently a key part of Bielsa's squad, and it would not make sense for Leeds to allow the £3.15 million-rated ace leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

And, in other news... Leeds may already have the heir to Phillips' throne in teenage prodigy wanted by PSG