Leeds United's director of football Victor Orta has stated the club will need to be clever in navigating a "strange market" this January but did not say Leeds' business was complete for this season.
The Spaniard was speaking at the completion of the brand new Kalvin Phillips mural located on The Calls in Leeds city centre, marking the beginning of the club's partnership with American brand Roc Nation.
Orta was impressed by the work, daubed upon the 12-metre high structure, by French artist Akse P19 who has previously worked on murals depicting Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire.
Leeds' director of football stated that the club had achieved "85-90%" of their goals in the summer transfer market, but reading between the lines that does leave some wiggle room for additions to be made in January.
Orta did not explicitly state that Leeds would be active in the next window, and even went so far to state that he was "not a proper fan of the January market," but equally did not rule out further additions if they could improve the team.
"I think we need to be really clever.
"If one option appears who we think clearly improves the squad, obviously [we need to] be ready to make [an offer]."
One of the hallmarks of the winter window is player availability. Orta was clear that moves in January can often hinge on a case-by-case basis, depending on which players are playing regularly at certain clubs and others who are not.
"For me first, it's [about] availability.
"You go to a player who is playing in a lower division, or you go for a player who is not playing in your division or at another level, it is a risk."
The Spanish director stated that any deal Leeds were to enter into would hypothetically be a calculated risk, even more so in January when the finances of football clubs are still coming to terms with the impact of a year in which coronavirus has ravaged and starved some clubs economically.
Transfer talk aside, Orta bestowed his faith in the current crop of players and the management to deliver on this season's goals - the primary aim being to remain a Premier League club.
"Now, I trust a lot the squad we have, I trust a lot the ways of the staff," he opined, stressing his support for Marcelo Bielsa and the other members of the Leeds coaching and recruitment staff who work diligently behind the scenes.
"[The] winter market is a circumstance and one we need to evaluate carefully," he finished.
Clearly, Leeds are keeping one eye on potential targets, and should they become available in January, there is a possibility that they move for them.
The club were spurned in their advances to snare Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul over the summer, and recent reports have suggested Leeds remain interested in the 26-year-old's services.
Nevertheless, Orta remained jovial and cheery. Throughout his interview with LeedsLive, car horns could be heard passing by on the road adjacent to the Kalvin Phillips mural, showing just how much support the latest Leeds United-inspired street art has in this city.
Speaking on a more general note, Orta described his appreciation for the fans, especially since the return to the Premier League.
"The passion of Leeds United [is reflected in] all the gestures of support because Leeds needs Leeds United, but Leeds United needs more Leeds."
