Danny Mills believes it will be "difficult" for his former club Leeds United to bring in new players to upgrade their starting XI in the January transfer window.

Speaking ahead of the Whites' FA Cup third round clash with Harrogate Town, the former England international said: “I think Leeds have got more than enough players as it is. They've still got a lot of Premier League players who are playing in the Championship on Premier League wages. It's quite a swollen squad that they've got.

“They added over the summer and obviously, they did lose a couple, we know that, but they invested that money. When you look at their bench at times, they've got internationals on the bench, Premier League players on the bench, not too many clubs in the Championship have that.

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“I think unless you can add players to the starting 11 that are going to make you better in January then there's probably not much point in making signings. You don't need squad players at this time of the year, you need players to make your starting 11 better and that'll be difficult. So I would say just stick with what you've got, manage games a little bit better and hopefully they'll be back in the Premier League.”

Mills is optimistic over United's promotion prospects. Despite throwing two points away at Hull City last weekend, the Whites remain top of the table after 26 matches.

When asked if United will go up this season, Mills told OLBG: “Without a doubt, Leeds have got the potential to get promoted this season. There's no reason why they can't. They've got a fantastic squad and they've got one of the best squads in the division.

“They kept a lot of players. They added some good players, especially in the midfield over the summer. My only concern is at times it is a little bit gung-ho football. The game management isn't necessarily as good as it should be. They need to see games out a little bit better.

“I watch them sometimes and think, just win the game, you're winning 2-1. Go Mourinho, park the bus, you know, you don't have to score. It's about winning and it's about getting back into the Premier League.

“There are some good teams in the Championship now and I think Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley will probably be the top three.

“Can Middlesbrough go on a run? Watford have sort of been up and down so far this season. There is the potential for another club to make a run but I think Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley will probably be the top three. Sunderland may be close after that. In what particular order? I'm not quite sure yet.”

League Two outfit Harrogate look set to bring a big away following to Elland Road this weekend but Mills does not fancy their chances of causing an upset. He said: “It's a great experience for the fans. It's a fantastic experience for the players to play in a stadium of that size and I'm pretty sure Leeds will be sold out for that game.

“It's a great place to go Leeds, I've always said, Leeds when the atmosphere is good and the team is doing well, is one of the best atmospheres that you can ever go to. Simple as that!

“It's technically a local derby - it's only sort of 15 miles down the road. It'll be a great day out.

“It might have been slightly different had it been at Harrogate Town. The pitch is slightly different, facilities, stadium, everything is different within that.

“I guess it depends on how many players Leeds rotate or rest. Leeds so far have had spectacular performances, but it's a little bit like when they played under Bielsa, it's a little bit all-out attack, no matter what.

“I've looked at the games and their game management hasn't been great.

“Even when they're up 2-1, with five minutes to go, they've gone and tried to score three or four goals, which is great, It's great for the neutral and great for the fans to see, but sometimes you get caught on the counterattack.

“I think it'll be a very, very difficult game for Harrogate Town, but it'll be a great experience.

“Simon Weaver, who's been manager of Harrogate Town and must be the longest-serving manager in the Football League, as he’s been there forever. It probably helps when your dad (Irving Weaver) owns the football club - it probably means you're less likely to get sacked at some point, but again, he's got close links to Leeds and he's been in this area for a long, long time.

“It'll be a great day out, but I'd be very, very surprised if Harrogate come away with anything but a defeat.”