Daniel Farke can seal Leeds United promotion if Man City or Aston Villa man sign | OneFootball

Leeds United would increase their chances of promotion if they can sign Aston Villa's Emi Buendia or Man City's James McAtee.

Leeds United continued their strong season with a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Derby County on Saturday.

The result moved the Whites back into the top two, and Daniel Farke will expect his side to be in the automatic promotion places come May.

However, it won’t be easy, as Sheffield United lead the Championship right now, whilst Burnley, Sunderland and even Middlesbrough may have their sights on those top two spots.

Leeds United need an attacking midfielder in January

As is often the case, the January window can have a big impact on the promotion battle, and Leeds head into the New Year knowing they are well-stocked in most departments.

But, the boss will always want to strengthen, and one area that Leeds could upgrade is attacking midfield.

Brenden Aaronson has made some big contributions since returning to the club this season, but a new number ten could offer Leeds a different threat in the final third.

So, previous reports linking them to James McAtee and Emi Buendia are encouraging, as the Man City youngster or the Argentinian international at Aston Villa would both make a massive difference to this side.

It’s not a case that Leeds need to go out and sign anybody, but if quality like that is available, you have to act.

Leeds United’s defeats have followed a certain theme

Leeds have comfortably outscored the other clubs in the top four, so it’s unfair to say that they are lacking threat in the final third.

Yet, there’s no denying that their three defeats this season have followed a theme.

All three games saw the Whites lose by a single goal, with Burnley, Millwall and Blackburn following a similar blueprint. They all found the net in the first half, and they then sat back, happy to concede possession, putting the pressure on Leeds to break them down.

But, Farke’s men couldn’t make that possession count, and it’s these sort of games that have heightened the need for a Buendia or a McAtee.

When the game is end-to-end, Leeds can be devastating. They have four quick, direct wingers who are a major threat in behind, but when that space is restricted, Leeds can struggle. They pass, pass, pass, but don’t always have a threat.

On these occasions, you need individual brilliance to make the difference, which is where McAtee or Buendia can help, as they are both capable of finding that ball that can unlock a deep defence.

As well as that, they both chip in with goals, as they can score from outside the box, or produce a moment of skill to get through a low block.

Normally, attracting a player of this calibre to the Championship would be tough, but Leeds are a big club, and they will undoubtedly be convincing the players they will be back in the Premier League in a matter of months.

Ultimately, Leeds will not be panicking heading into January, but they need to be ready to strike if a fantastic opportunity arises.

Finalising a deal for either Buendia or McAtee would fall into that category, and it could be the final piece of the jigsaw to ensure Leeds seal their return to the Premier League.