Leeds United supporters have been pretty upbeat in the Transfer Tavern recently after seeing their side produce a decent performance in their 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Friday night, a result which kept them eighth in the Championship table.

Thomas Christiansen’s men went into their clash with the high-flying Villans off the back of beating Barnsley 2-0 in the Yorkshire derby a week before, and they looked on course to record a second successive victory when Pontus Jansson gave them a deserved lead after just 19 minutes. However, the home side were unable to bag that crucial second and Steve Bruce’s Villa began to grow into the contest, eventually netting the equaliser 19 minutes from time when substitute Henri Lansbury fired past the helpless Felix Wiedwald in the Leeds goal to preserve a point for the visitors.

Consequently, there have been many satisfied Leeds fans in the Tavern in recent days yet also several who were disappointed that their team were unable to clinch the three points, but attentions are already turning to their trip to struggling Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

And with the January transfer window just around the corner, Christiansen and the Leeds hierarchy may well be considering possible transfer targets as they seek to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

And one club they may look at is Everton, who haven’t quite made the start many expected them to in the top-flight this term, and as such the future of several players is very much uncertain going into the New Year.

Thus, here are TWO Everton stars that Leeds must seek to land in January in a bid to enhance their promotion credentials…

James McCarthy

James McCarthy’s struggles for first team football at Everton have been well-documented this season, with the Republic of Ireland international restricted to just 64 minutes of action thus far.

Injuries have played a part in that, notably a knee problem earlier in the campaign, and it remains to be seen whether new Toffees chief Sam Allardyce sees the 28-year-old as part of his plans going forward at Goodison Park.

And if he doesn’t, the midfielder could do a lot worse than look to Christiansen’s Leeds as a possible destination in January, with the Whites certainly looking to put together a promotion charge in the second half of the campaign, and as such possibly needing someone like McCarthy in the middle of the park.

Ultimately, Christiansen will want options in every position as the Championship season begins to take its toll, so making a move for the Irishman could be a very shrewd one indeed come the New Year.

Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman made an immediate impact at Everton by scoring within a minute of making his debut against Manchester City back in January, but first team chances have since been hard to come by for the youngster.

The former Charlton Athletic forward has only added 20 further appearances for the Toffees since bagging in that 4-0 success, just seven of which have been starts.

And although he has featured in their last five Premier League games, it remains to be seen whether he is part of new manager Sam Allardyce’s plans at Goodison Park, and if he remains on the peripheries of the action, a loan move in January may be in his best interests.

And with Leeds seeking promotion back to the top-flight next term, Christiansen’s men would surely benefit from having someone as pacey and as tricky as Lookman in their quest for a Premier League return.