Leeds United could target a new central midfielder this January transfer window, according to the ever-reliable Phil Hay of The Athletic...

What's the word?

In a recent transfer Q&A with supporters, the trusty reporter claimed that we could see the Yorkshire giants finally sign the midfielder they have been desperate for in recent times.

"We could all see that recruitment in central midfield was necessary in the last window and Leeds would have taken someone there had Conor Gallagher agreed to come from [Chelsea] or Lewis O’Brien not been priced as he was," he said.

"To my mind, failing to add a midfielder was a mistake and it looks like the priority the club need to focus on in the coming window. You can go back to the interest in Michael Cuisance to see how long they’ve actually been after a player in that area."

Bucking the trend

This should come as huge excitement for many supporters around Elland Road - and not just because they could bring in some fresh faces to bolster their chances of staying in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Whites find themselves just five points above the relegation zone, having played several more games than those sides below them.

United boss Marcelo Bielsa has been dealing with an injury crisis for the bulk of the season but in recent times that has got excruciatingly worse, with as many as 11 players, including nine first-team stars, absent from their recent 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

It suggests that reinforcements will certainly be needed in the window.

But typically, Leeds never spend in January, so they would need to buck the trend if they are to resolve this ongoing nightmare.

Hay also believes that is something they could do.

"Victor Orta and Bielsa don’t like to be overly active in January but you’ll have noticed Bielsa saying a couple of weeks ago that signings would be good if Leeds can find a way to make them happen — provided they are fit enough to step straight in," he said in response to another question.

If that's the case, then those around west Yorkshire should be hugely encouraged heading into January. Their fortunes could well be boosted heading into the remainder of the season.

AND in other news, Bielsa dealt another cruel Leeds United setback this week...