Jon Newsome fears Leeds United have left themselves a "bit short" for the remainder of the season after the club's lack of transfer activity in the winter window

The Championship leaders saw a loan bid for Southampton forward Cameron Archer rebuffed last week and they also explored the possibility of signing Adam Armstrong. But while their title rivals Sheffield United and Burnley were active in the market and completed a raft of signings, United failed to bring in any reinforcements.

Speaking to Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet, ex-United defender Newsome said: “I’m a bit surprised in all honesty. I do know they’ve been looking at two, three positions to bring people in. Whether they've not found the right people or right deals, don’t know. Surprised no-one has come in.

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“They’re a bit short. You don’t want to get to the summer and have regret. Another bad week like the one when [Ethan] Ampadu and [Ilia] Gruev got injured, then they are down to the bare bones. It is a big risk."

Second-placed Sheffield United drafted in Rob Holding on loan from Crystal Palace, winger Christian Nwachukwu and striker Jefferson Caceres for undisclosed fees on deadline day. Former Arsenal defender Holding strengthens their defensive options as the Blades seek to secure an immediate Premier League return.

"We've been light in the central defensive area ever since Harry Souttar's injury, so we're delighted to add Rob, a player who has played the game at the highest level for a number of years," said boss Chris Wilder.

Nwachukwu and Caceres are the product of the club's new data driven transfer strategy. Wilder said: "With the collaborative way we work with regards signings, the options available to the club under the new ownership allows us to cast our net further afield.

"I've spoken previously about how we are looking to be more data driven with some of our targets, and we have explored the use of this to find players which were previously not on our radar. Jefferson has been identified using this strategy, he's a young lad who we're keen to develop."