The Athletic's Phil Hay has delivered the latest on Leeds United's transfer plans for the upcoming January transfer window.

What's the story?

During a Q&A for the Premier League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday night, a fan raised the possibility of Marcelo Bielsa's side entering the January market for some new signings.

And in response, Hay said: "The intention is there after the injury to Phillips. But it will depend on budget and available options. You know the drill."

Victor Orta must act

A combination of injuries and just pure rotten form has meant that the January transfer window has taken more importance than perhaps it has ever done under Bielsa's tenure at Elland Road.

They sit 16th in the table at the moment and have only won two of their last 11 matches.

Premier League safety, therefore, is absolutely paramount, and strengthening the squad to ensure that Bielsa's side aren't hit as hard as they have been by injuries and illness is crucial.

The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, among many others, have been and will be out for extended periods of time, and it's no surprise that people have implored the club to act.

Speaking to Football Insider, Danny Mills said: "Who is next after Phillips? They have to consider that. He’s their star man and that is something they need to think about in the long term. Whether it is right to bring that person in January, there’s some debate over that.

“Is that the most important thing? What sort of players can you really get in January? Players get injured after international duty in November and December. You don’t need a degree in sports science to tell you that. That little bit of fatigue can make the difference."

News that Leeds do now have the intention to sign players is sure to excite fans, especially when you consider that even just recently, it was being suggested that the Whites wouldn't be that active in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Uruguayan star...