Four Leeds United players on notice as Daniel Farke faces key transfer decisions

Signing a new forward is likely to be at the top of Daniel Farke's shopping list heading into the January transfer window. Leeds United, currently third in the Championship, were thwarted in their attempts to bring in a No 10 last summer.

It is well-documented the Whites looked at a number of attacking players, including Gustavo Hamer, Roland Sallai, Emi Buendia James McAtee and Fabio Carvalho. Ultimately, they failed to bring in a new face and are lighter in that department following Georginio Rutter's big-money move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

As well as USA international Brenden Aaronson has done in supporting the advanced midfield role, the likelihood is Farke will look to increase competition for places at the top end of the pitch when the window reopens on January 1.

But could there be some outgoings? LeedsLive has taken a closer look at the players the Whites may look to offload in the New Year.

Joe Gelhardt

An obvious one. The forward has played just three times for United this season. His last outing came as a substitute in the draw at Norwich City on October 1.

Gelhardt has not been involved in the past three fixtures due to a hip problem. It could be that he comes back into the fold for the trip to Swansea City after the international.

But the brutal reality is Gelhardt is unlikely to get a lot of game time between now and the end of the season. United are well-stocked in the wide positions and up front.

At Gelhardt's age, he needs to be playing regular first team football. A loan move could help him get his career going in the right direction again.

Patrick Bamford

It has just not happened for Bamford this season, has it? He has played a bit-part role since recovering from injury.

It has felt like Bamford has been playing catch up since pre-season. Too often Bamford has looked off the pace and failed to make an impact as a substitute.

He has a job on his hands reclaiming the No 9 spot, with Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe jumping ahead of him in the queue to lead the line. There have been numerous reports in recent weeks suggesting that Bamford could be allowed to leave in 2025.

But a big stumbling block in any potential deal could be Bamford's wage demands. He is believed to be one of the top earners at the club.

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Charlie Crew

The talented midfielder, recently called up into the Wales senior squad, has got a bright future ahead of him. He looked the part after coming off the bench in the closing stages against Plymouth Argyle earlier this month. It was an accomplished debut.

Yet Crew is unlikely to get many minutes under his belt over the coming weeks and months. Farke bolstered the midfield area following injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, bringing in Josuha Guilavogui on a free transfer. The Frenchman was signed to provide back up to Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell.

When Ampadu and Gruev are back and fully fit, that will make Crew sixth choice for a central midfield slot. January feels the perfect opportunity to send the 18-year-old out on loan to accelerate his development.

Sam Chambers

Is in exactly the same boat as Crew. Both are highly-regarded by Farke and the coaching staff.

Chambers, who penned his maiden pro contract back in March, was part of the first-team's pre-season training camp in Germany. Farke handed the teenager his debut against the Pilgrims. Chambers repaid Farke's faith by putting in an impressive cameo as the Whites recorded a routine win.

Given Chambers is still only 17, will United keep him in house to continue to oversee his development? Or could they be tempted to loan him out to a lower league club?