Quiet deadline day expected at Leeds United and Sheffield United

For the Whites, it has been a good start to their first season back in the Premier League since 2003-04, so it has been pretty obvious for a while that Marcelo Bielsa would not be pushing for new faces.

Since Barry Douglas left for Blackburn Rovers on loan in October, the squad has been without a specialist left-back, and more often than not the preferred option there last season, Stuart Dallas, has been needed elsewhere. However, Bielsa has great faith that he can develop Ezgjan Alioski into a high-class left-back.

The only question, then, seemed to be whether any more Leeds youngsters would be sent on loan for experience but on Sunday afternoon Bielsa told the media: “I don't think we'll bring anyone in or let anyone go.”

Bottom of the table with a start to the campaign so poor the history books have had to be rewritten, the Blades' needs were more pressing, with manager Chris Wilder hoping for two loan signings, one perhaps with the option to be made permanent, but by the final days he appeared resigned to not getting them.

A midfielder and a centre-back were in his sights, but he could not persuade anyone to jump on board what to many looks like a sinking ship.

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard was an early target, but the England international instead opted to join West Ham United, one of the surprise packages of the first half of the season, on loan instead.

When Jack O'Connell picked up a season-ending injury in October, Wilder had hoped then to sign a replacement central defender, but was unable to push anything through.

His top target then, Preston North End's Ben Davies, could be the story of transfer deadline day. Valued at £10m by the Lilywhites in October, Davies's contract is now in its final months and there are reports he could be on the verge of a £2m move to champions Liverpool.

Yorkshire's Championship clubs can expect to be busier. Neil Warnock would like one, maybe two, signings, probably at the sharp end of the pitch. Patrick Roberts will be sacrificed if there needs to be any balancing of books.

Like their Sheffield neighbours, Wednesday have needed reinforcements for their relegation battle, but have found it difficult – in their case a Covid-19 outbreak and the absence of a manager adding to their problems. They have signed free agents Andre Green and Sam Hutchinson but can probably be expected to try for more on the final day.

Valerien Ismael has made it crystal clear he wants and expects another forward at Barnsley, where an FA Cup run has boosted the coffers.

Rotherham United are hoping to sign another central midfielder before the deadline, with manager Paul Warne keen to add some depth in that area.

Doncaster Rovers look sated with their four signings to balance Ben Whiteman's departure, but elsewhere in League One, Grant McCann is fishing for a Hull City left-back after a short-term injury to Brandon Fleming.

Meanwhile, in League Two, the news that Bradford City had released Tyler French and Dylan Mottley-Henry suggests the busiest club in the broad Acres this month might not be finished yet.

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