Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch is working with the Elland Road hierarchy as he plans to 'define precise targets' ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

A goalless draw at Crystal Palace allowed the Whites to climb five points clear of the relegation zone and move a step closer to maintaining their Premier League status, potentially enabling Marsch to secure exciting talent heading into next season.

Who has been linked with a move to Leeds?

Marsch was appointed as Leeds' head coach in February, just 24 hours after Marcelo Bielsa was axed, and the American is preparing for his first transfer window at the helm.

According to Football Insider, the Yorkshire giants are stepping up their interest in RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol.

The report suggests the 20-year-old's current employers value him at £27million and Leeds director of football Victor Orta, along with his recruitment team, have continued to keep close tabs on Gvardiol since coming close to signing the 10-cap Croatia international nearly two years ago.

Marsch has also been keen to link-up with two of his fellow countrymen as Brenden Aaronson and Sergino Dest, currently of Red Bull Salzburg and Barcelona respectively, are understood to be on his radar.

Meanwhile, the Whites have sent scouts to watch Bristol City’s £10million-rated teenager Alex Scott in action ahead of potentially battling it out with Tottenham Hotspur for his services.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones believes Marsch and the key decision-makers behind the scenes are aware that they need to welcome fresh faces into Leeds' squad ahead of next season.

The transfer insider feels potential arrivals are in the process of being identified and Marsch is eager to add three first-team regulars to his side.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "They know that they have to strengthen this squad and that they have to bring in at least three players that go into that first team automatically.

"There's not enough competition for places, so they're looking to change that and the plan basically is to define precise targets between now and the end of the season."

Where do Leeds need to strengthen most?

Leeds currently have the Premier League's second worst defensive record, with bottom-of-the-table Norwich City being the only side to have conceded more than the Whites' 68, so it is clear that Marsch needs to strengthen his backline.

Marsch - and Bielsa before him - have also been made to contend with a host of injuries, with the likes of Robin Koch, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford enduring lengthy spells on the sidelines since the campaign got underway.

In Bamford's absence, the only strikers on Leeds' books are promising youngsters Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, so Marsch should look to add more depth at the top end of the pitch.