Leeds United could find an interesting opportunity in January by targeting players entering the final six months of their contracts.
The club have already shown a willingness to invest in the squad, but January can be a difficult market to navigate. Prices tend to be inflated, while clubs are understandably reluctant to lose important players midway through a season.
That could make players approaching the final year of their contracts particularly attractive.
Several established Premier League names could be available, although Leeds would have to convince their clubs to sell rather than wait until the summer.
Here are three names worth keeping an eye on.
Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton)
Mitoma would probably be the most exciting attacking option on this list.
The Brighton winger has already established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous wide players when fit, with his pace and ability to beat defenders giving him a different dimension to Leeds’ attack.
His contract situation could get particularly interesting if he reaches the final months of his current deal without agreeing to an extension.
Leeds would still face a difficult negotiation. Brighton are hardly likely to give away one of their most recognisable attacking players cheaply, particularly in the middle of a season.
But if the Japan international’s situation remains unresolved heading into January, Leeds would be right to at least explore the possibility.
For a club looking to add more creativity and unpredictability in the final third, Mitoma would certainly fit the bill.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Leeds would not need much convincing about what Mateta could bring to their attack.
The Crystal Palace striker has become a proven Premier League goalscorer and offers the physical presence that makes him difficult for defenders to handle.
Leeds already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line, but adding another established striker would give Daniel Farke considerably more options, particularly during the second half of the season when injuries and fixture congestion begin to take their toll.
Mateta’s contract situation makes him an intriguing name to watch.
Palace would obviously have the option to extend his stay or sell before they risk losing him for nothing, and January could become a key moment in that decision-making process.
Whether Leeds would be willing to spend the sort of money Palace would demand is another question, but Mateta is exactly the kind of established Premier League name who would get supporters talking.
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
The third option is perhaps less glamorous than Mitoma or Mateta, but Richards could make plenty of sense from a squad-building perspective.
The Crystal Palace defender has Premier League experience and can play at centre-back while adding versatility across the back line.
Leeds have already invested heavily in their defence, but another athletic and experienced option could prove valuable if the club are competing on multiple fronts.
Richards would also represent a different type of January signing to the other two.
Rather than being a headline-grabbing attacking addition, he would be the sort of move that could strengthen the squad over the long term.
His contract situation could put Palace in a position where they have to decide whether to renew his deal or consider offers during the January window.
That could give Leeds an opening if they decide they need defensive reinforcements.
January could provide an opportunity
None of these three players should be considered imminent Leeds targets at this stage.
Their contract situations simply make them players worth monitoring as the January window approaches.
Mitoma would bring the most obvious attacking excitement, Mateta would offer another proven Premier League striker, and Richards could provide additional defensive depth.
The interesting part for Leeds is that all three are established names, rather than speculative overseas players who would need time to adapt.
If their contract situations remain unresolved by January, Leeds could find themselves in a position to test whether any of their clubs are prepared to do business.
This is more speculation and conjecture. Mateta and Mitoma are 29,Richards is a 26 year old centre we could not accommodate and whilst the free transfer element would be attractive they are not likely to enhance the squad.