Leeds United: Graham Smyth names seven players who could leave Elland Road

Graham Smyth has named the seven players who could leave Leeds United on loan in the January transfer window.

In an article for the Yorkshire Evening Post on Tuesday (28 November), Smyth said Leeds are not likely to do any extensive incoming business.

Charlie Cresswell, Lewis Bate, Leo Hjelde, Joe Gelhardt, Darko Gyabi, Sean McGurk and Kris Klaesson are listed as those who could move on.

Smyth adds that it would be a "shock" if young midfielder Bate does not depart Elland Road in January in search of regular playing time.

Uncertain futures

All seven of the players mentioned are in need of minutes in the second half of the season, as it is something they are currently not getting.

Cresswell, Hjelde and Gelhardt are all in the first-team picture, while Bate, Gyabi, McGurk and Klaesson are longer-term options for Daniel Farke.

Leeds must be careful not to weaken their squad too much, as injuries and suspensions could mount up in the second half of the season.

Allowing Cresswell and Gelhardt to leave, for example, could come back to haunt the Whites further down the line.

As for Bate, Gyabi, McGurk and Klaesson, temporary moves away from Elland Road makes perfect sense as they need to further develop.

Playing for the various age-grade sides is all well and good, but they need to gain experience playing at senior level.

Supporters will be more focused on any incoming arrivals in January, but the futures of many players already on our books need to be resolved.

In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit believes a Whites player will be frustrated by his treatment under Farke.