As Leeds United prepare for a Championship play-off semi-final at Norwich City, those behind-the-scenes will be planning for the summer.
It is just a matter of weeks now until the transfer window again and much what Leeds will do will depend on what happens on the pitch this month.
The Whites will be facing Daniel Farke’s old side Norwich over two legs for a place at Wembley against the winner of the other tie between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.
A return to the Premier League would setup a considerably more exciting window as more focus would be on who comes in, as oppose to who goes out.
On the other hand, 49ers Enterprises have already acknowledged key players will have to depart if they stay down, in order to comply with PSR rules and offset some of that £190 million in unpaid transfer instalments.
Leeds target Ben Johnson makes decision on West Ham future
Regardless of what happens in the play-offs, the free agent market is certainly somewhere in which they should be looking to pick up a couple of bargains.
Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare would be a great option as a number 10, while Burnley’s Charlie Taylor also could be available having been targeted by Leeds last summer.
And according to TeamTalk, there is another player on Leeds’ radar who looks set to become a free agent with Ben Johnson having reportedly rejected West Ham’s final offer of a new deal.
Johnson has now turned down numerous chances of a renewal at the Hammers and is not short of interest, with Everton, Wolves, Southampton and Rangers also keen alongside Leeds.
In their search for a right-back in January, Johnson was one of the options looked at by Leeds but he ended up staying in the capital and forcing his way back into the side.
However, his last start came three months ago now and clearly at 24, he is now ready to go and play regularly somewhere, and Elland Road could well be the option to do so.
Johnson deal a no brainer for Leeds
Though clearly he is not short of options, Leeds should be all over this deal regardless of the division they end up in this month.
In the Premier League, the ‘wonderful’ Johnson would represent an excellent squad option who can play on both sides, while in the Championship, he would immediately become one of the best right-backs in the league.
To be able to sign someone of that quality on a free is an absolute no brainer, and hopefully Leeds are able to tempt him to the club.