There is a lot riding on this season for Leeds United. Should their fail to secure promotion to the top flight at the second attempt, another summer of change looms at Elland Road.

Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter were among the first-teamers sold in the most recent transfer window following their promotion near-miss. There was a need for the club to balance the books after missing out on the Premier League riches.

And former Whites midfielder David Norris fears the club will struggle to retain the services of Ao Tanaka if they fall short again. The Japan international has been a big hit since joining the club from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

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“Tanaka has been flawless. I don’t see him going now because of the contract he’s on and the fact he only joined in the summer, but of course he’ll have admirers,” told MOT Leeds News. “He’s going to be key to Leeds’ promotion bid with the form he’s in. It’s the summer when they need to worry about players of his quality, if they don’t go up. If that’s the case, I think they'll lose him at the end of the season."

Tanaka initially had to bide his time and wait for an opportunity showcase his qualities after moving to English football, with Farke keeping faith with Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev in the midfield engine room. But injuries in quick succession to Ampadu and Gruev between September and October opened the door ajar for Tanaka and the 26-year-old has been instrumental in their good run of form.

Tanaka has featured 18 times in the Championship for United, making 14 starts. He is still searching for his first goal.