Leeds United's winter window is destined to be a quiet one, with any additions unlikely to break the bank.
Victor Orta has been working to add more quality in depth to the U23 setup, which seemingly has been a successful endeavour with the Whites' junior side sitting top of PL2 Division 2.
Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh and Ian Poveda were all added to the development squad during 2020, with a view to becoming first-team players. The first of that quartet to sign, Ian Poveda, did so last January and is only just beginning to make his way into first-team plans on a regular basis.
This emphasises just how long the bedding-in process to Bielsa's first-team could well be, but Leeds have time on their side. Gelhardt, Greenwood and Drameh, among others, are still mere teenagers, and continue to benefit from U23 football at this stage in their careers.
New developments in the Derby County takeover saga mean there could soon be another new face in Leeds' U23 squad, with Championship experience just like Gelhardt.
Louie Sibley has reportedly been tracked by the club, and a move for the 19-year-old would tally with Leeds' U23 summer recruitment.
The Daily Mail claim Derby County's hierarchy are fearful that a proposed takeover by UAE-based Derventio Holdings could fall through.
This would plunge the club into further turmoil, as the takeover appeared to be a much-needed lifeline for an organisation already struggling to pay its players.
Similar to the Gelhardt transfer in summer, Sibley could find himself jettisoned in an attempt to raise funds, along with other youth prospects.
Wigan Athletic's administrators signed off on the cut-price sales of Jensen Weir, Joe Gelhardt and could yet lose this season's key man Kyle Joseph due to their precarious financial position.
In a scenario which could become troublingly similar, another Derby County youngster Kaide Gordon has already been touted as a potential funds-raiser, which should have alarm bells ringing for any side pursuing a potential Sibley deal.
