As the hype and speculation of deadline day begins, David Freezer picks out some of the big names to watch out for as Championship clubs look to fine tune their squads for the campaign ahead of 11pm tomorrow.
Norwich City are far from the only Championship club looking to make some moves on the final day of the transfer window – with speculation surrounding several of the division’s big names.
We have already seen former England captain John Terry join Aston Villa on a free and Middlesbrough splash in the region of £40m on players including Jonny Howson and Britt Assombalonga. So as the madness of deadline day moves into top gear ahead of tomorrow’s 11pm cut-off, here are some of the names to keep an eye on...
Aden Flint
Club: Bristol City
Position: Centre-back
Age: 28
Linked: Birmingham and Norwich
Standing at an imposing six-foot six-inches tall, Flint was an ever-present for the Robins in the Championship last season, scoring five goals. Birmingham have reportedly seen a £3.5m bid turned down and have signed Harlee Dean from Brentford, with the Canaries turning their attentions to Grant Hanley.
Dwight Gayle
Club: Newcastle
Position: Striker
Age: 26
Linked: Fulham
Needs little introduction in the Championship after scoring 23 goals in 32 games to help Newcastle win the title last season.
Only Chris Wood scored more goals, who has since moved from Leeds to Burnley for around £15m, and Gayle is reportedly available for a similar fee due to doubts over hamstring injuries and his top-flight capabilities.
Jota
Club: Brentford
Position: Forward
Age: 26
Linked: Fulham
Cult figure at Griffin Park after scoring 11 goals in 14 games as the Bees made the Championship play-offs in 2015 but was allowed to return to Spain on loan with Eibar for a year. Returned for the second half of last season and scored an impressive 12 goals in 21 league matches.
Kenneth Zohore
Club: Cardiff
Position: Striker
Age: 23
Linked: Everton, Brighton and Hull
Big forward scored 12 goals in 29 league games for the Bluebirds last season, before scoring a couple for Denmark at the European U21 Championships. An Everton enquiry has been turned away, with Cardiff insistent he is not for sale.
Jack Colback
Club: Newcastle
Position: Midfielder
Age: 27
Linked: Hull, Wolves (loan)
Tough-tackling midfielder is out of favour under Rafa Benitez. Was called up by England three years ago but didn’t win a cap and struggled to hold down a starting role as Newcastle were promoted last season.
Fernando Forestieri
Club: Sheff Weds
Position: Striker
Age: 27
Linked: Fulham
Out of favour after falling out with Owls boss Carlos Carvahal, the Italian striker scored 12 in 37 Championship games as Wednesday lost in the play-offs last season. Fulham said to have bid £12m already.
Ben Gibson
Club: Middlesbrough
Position: Centre-back
Age: 24
Linked: Manchester City and Leicester
Called into recent England squads after showing promise in the Premier League and Manchester City are reportedly prepared to offer £20m for the Boro star’s services.
Jordan Hugill
Club: Preston
Position: Forward
Age: 25
Linked: Birmingham, Wolves and Reading
Transfer request has been turned down by North End, following an £8m bid from Reading. Manager Alex Neil insists Hugill is staying, after scoring 13 last season.
Rudy Gestede
Club: Middlesbrough
Position: Striker
Age: 28
Linked: Leeds
Boro paid £6m for Gestede in January but he has struggled to establish himself at the Riverside. Leeds have reportedly cooled their interest, as they look to replace Chris Wood, but may return on deadline day.
Connor Goldson
Club: Brighton
Position: Defender
Age: 24
Linked: Ipswich, Norwich and Sheffield United (loan)
Centre-back who can also play at right-back is in need of a loan move after missing the second half of last season due to minor heart surgery.
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