Transfer Window needs: Barnsley, Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers, Sheffield United, York City

WHILE the weather has been unseasonably warm for most of this winter, the January transfer window has been pretty slow to heat up. But things could well change shortly. Across Yorkshire, stoicism is the order of the day, particularly for supporters of Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, keen on some significant inward activity to harden their promotion drives, with a choice new striker on the wish-lists of many Broad Acres clubs.

The Owls could well be rewarded with the marquee capture of Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes, a big summer target of Boro, who are working on a deal to bring in former Leeds United captain Ross McCormack, who is banging in the goals for Fulham.

For Leeds and Hull City, the intent is likely to be on keeping some of their existing prized talent, one of whom is destined for pastures new in the major county move of the window so far with Sam Byram poised to join West Ham from the Whites.

By and large, it has been a quiet window thus far, with the main theme being on clubs re-signing loan deals with players currently at clubs. But expect things to heat up in the coming days. Here, The Yorkshire Post looks at the priorities for each club between now and 
February 1, 11pm.

Barnsley

Done deals: The acquisition of young duo Josh Brownhill and Ashley Fletcher, with Aidy White signing on for the rest of the season after leaving Rotherham.

Work to do: Lee Johnson’s work has been themed towards signing loan players with eligibility to play in the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final at Fleetwood on February 4. Kevin Long’s loan expires today – with it likely to be renewed, while an extension of Lloyd Isgrove’s spell is also on the cards. Warding off potential late interest Conor Hourihane will also be a priority.

Bradford City

Done deals: The loan re-signing of Lee Evans and Kyel Reid, with West Ham defender Reece Burke also extending his temporary stint at Valley Parade despite interest from Coventry and two Championship clubs.

Work to do: Phil Parkinson admitted to being ‘comfortable’ ahead of the window opening, with finished business regarding Evans, Reid and Burke likely to have aided his sense of well-being and ensuring no need for contingencies to be put in place. Gary Liddle’s future is uncertain, with a move to Carlisle in the pipeline.

Doncaster Rovers

Done deals: Loan extensions for talented Everton loanee Conor Grant and Cameron Stewart have been rubber-stamped. Craig Alock has also re-signed on a permanent basis – while Richie Wellens, Harry Forrester and the McKay twins have left.

Work to do: Attacking reinforcements, moreso if weekend injuries to Stewart and Nathan Tyson are serious. Darren Ferguson had already spoken about his desire to bring in a different type of forward. Defensive cover for injured loan wing back Filipe Mattioni, currently receiving treatment at Everton, is also on the list.

Sheffield United

Done deals: Dean Hammond has renewed his loan deal, with James Wallace also loaned out to Shrewsbury and Alcock leaving for Doncaster.

Work to do: Nigel Adkins is determined to trim down a top-heavy squad in terms of numbers and also inject some quality – with Fulham’s Dan Burn being a name constantly linked.

York City

Done deals: Busy, busy, with Jackie McNamara being the most active manager in the country, and not just in Yorkshire, bringing in six new recruits.

Work to do: Getting a plethora of unwanted squad players off the club’s books including John McCombe, Marvin McCoy and Eddie Nolan, with his squad numbers not far shy of unworkable 30. Ex-Celtic and Scotland frontman Derek Riordan could prove an attacking option, with the sale of Ben Godfrey to Norwich City providing McNamara with funds.