If Leeds United do end up signing Jorgen Strand Larsen for a fee up towards £40million, someone is going to have to make weight on PSR.

The January transfer window shuts next Monday, leaving Leeds and the 49ers with precious little time left to sort out what needs to be done.

Our ultimate focus is adding another striker to the mix, and complement Dominic Calvert-Lewin for a much greater chance of survival.

Most Read on LeedsAllOver

Leeds United pursuing Jorgen Strand Larsen for deadline-busting transfer agreement

Last week, it was revealed that Leeds had lodged a £30million plus add-ons bid to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves.

The Molineux striker has had a tough time this season, but has demonstrated his Premier League credentials with 14 goals and four assists last season. Back when Wolves were functioning.

Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen remains subject to Leeds United transfer talks. (Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs)

This week, Leeds’ talks for the striker continue as it was revealed on Tuesday morning that the Norway international is keen on a move to Elland Road.

Leeds’ chances of landing the striker may well hinge on how serious Crystal Palace’s interest becomes. The Eagles have been rocked by the exit request of Jean-Philippe Mateta. Before Monday’s deadline, they could be after a new striker with the funds to finance the £40million-rated Strand Larsen.

I fear Leeds United will use Ao Tanaka to finance Jorgen Strand Larsen transfer

There’s a major stumbling block everyone is wondering. How on earth are Leeds going to afford £30-40million on a signing this season?

We were told by managing director Robbie Evans in September that we’re “unequivocally maxing our PSR” this season. Therefore, it suggests there’s very little money for permanent signings mid-season.

The obvious solution is then looking at a player that Leeds can sell to make up the difference. Joel Piroe, a seldom-used striker, seems the clearest makeweight, given Strand Larsen would be a straight swap and marked improvement.

However, the draw against Everton has me wondering (fearing) that we’re going to consider Ao Tanaka’s future.

Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka struggled vs Everton. (REUTERS/Peter Powell)

There’s no denying the Japan midfielder is good enough to shine in the Premier League. See Chelsea at home. Although, since a poor showing away at Brentford, I sense the impression Farke has gone off Tanaka significantly.

Farke is favouring Ilia Gruev almost exclusively at the moment. And, Tanaka being thrown into our low block last night didn’t do him any favours. For what it’s worth, I think Farke did Tanaka a disservice thrusting him into that game state on 66 minutes.

That said, the midfielder was at fault for Everton’s equaliser. In turn, that potentially cements the Leeds manager’s belief of what he needs in his midfield right now.

Given the pending return of Sean Longstaff to peak fitness, it might lessen Farke’s eagerness to utilise Tanaka even further.

If Leeds are to finance a fee up towards £40million for Strand Larsen, we’ll need a significant sale before the end of June. The way Tanaka’s role in the side has diminished over the past month or so leads me to worry that Farke might ditch arguably Leeds’ most eye-catching player from 2025.