Jobe Bellingham transfer chance emerges as Leeds United plan for £10m target revealed
The latest transfer news and gossip involving EFL Championship clubs amid speculation over Jobe Bellingham, Louie Barry, Josh Windass and Ben Godfrey.
Championship teams are getting their ducks in a row as they strive to bolster their squads. January is notoriously tricky for making the right signings, but top-flight hopefuls are laying out mid-season strategies across the board.
With the fight for Premier League promotion being so intense, one or two standout signings could tip the scales. Currently, Sunderland sit fourth in the table; behind Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United - with a mere four points separating those teams.
The winter transfer window has been open for roughly a week now, too. Here, we delve into the latest news and rumours surrounding Championship sides;
Jobe Bellingham linked with Crystal Palace
Jobe Bellingham is, seemingly, on Crystal Palace's radar. Hardly a day passes without Bellingham being linked to a Premier League side and it appears Palace have now entered the race for his sought-after signature.
Radio station talkSPORT denotes Bellingham as a mid-season target for the Eagles. It's suggested that Sunderland have valued the player - who is Jude Bellingham's brother - at around £20million to safeguard their interests.
Palace has previously tapped into the Championship market, aligning with their transfer strategy. This time last year, they secured England midfielder Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers, while Bellingham is seen as a long-term target for the south London side.
Louie Barry set for Derby County loan
Derby County are reportedly now leading the race to sign Aston Villa's Louie Barry, on loan, despite interest from Sunderland and other clubs. The 21-year-old forward has returned to Villa after a successful 18-month loan spell at Stockport County, where he scored 15 goals in 23 League One matches this season.
According to reports from journalist Alan Nixon via Patreon, Derby are close to completing a deal for Barry - who helped Stockport earn promotion from League Two last season.
Josh Windass in shock approach
In another surprising development, Sheffield Wednesday's Josh Windass has been identified as a potential target for Brazilian side Santos. talkSPORT radio station reports that Santos have made a formal offer for the 30-year-old, who has netted 10 goals for the Owls this season.
Santos, currently playing in Brazil's second tier, are managed by Pedro Caixinha, Windass' former boss at Rangers.
Ben Godfrey still on Leeds United radar
Leeds are set to reignite their push for Ben Godfrey next summer, but only on the basis they secure promotion to the Premier League. The 26-year-old former Everton defender is currently on loan with Ipswich Town - from Italian side Atalanta - having moved there for a fee of around £10million last summer.
Godfrey has been linked with Leeds in the past, but will he finally make the move?
According to TBR Football, the Whites still have their sights set on the versatile player. However, after his move to Ipswich, any potential deal will have to wait until next summer.