As the end of the calendar year rapidly approaches, Championship clubs have just over a month before the January transfer window opens its doors for mid-season activity.
So far this term, a significant battle at the top of the pile has occurred in the hunt for the illustrious prize of securing promotion to the Premier League, with just eight points separating league-leaders West Brom with eighth-placed Sheffield Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the bottom of the table has seen some surprise names struggling, including the likes of Huddersfield Town, Stoke City and Middlesbrough, while there has also been inconsistency shown by the likes of Derby County and Cardiff City.
As such, it is anticipated that the January transfer window could be a frantic period for English football and, with plenty of speculation floating around, we have gathered some of the latest snippets.
Spurs and Palace receive boost in chase for West Brom ace
Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace have received a boost in their quest to secure the services of West Brom ace Nathan Ferguson, according to the Daily Mail.
The 19-year-old full-back has caught the eye this season but his performances have led to concern from the Championship leaders that they could lose his services for a cut-price fee next summer, as his current deal expires at the end of the campaign.
As a result, the report states that the Baggies could consider approaches for the England U20 international during the January transfer window in order to pick up a more acceptable fee for his signature.
Derby, Middlesbrough and Bristol City given Toney price
Championship clubs interested in signing Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney will have to pay a record price for the forward, according to quotes from the club chairman carried by Bristol Live.
Bristol City, Middlesbrough and Derby County have all been attributed with an interest in the 23-year-old former Newcastle United talent, who has scored 12 goals and contributed two assists in 17 League One appearances this term.
However, if Toney is to be on the move in January, interested parties will have to pay a League One transfer record for the forward, Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony has declared.
Key figure revealed in Huddersfield’s transfer plans
Nicky Cowley has given an insight into how Huddersfield Town’s activity in the January transfer market will work, confirming the key role he will play in recruitment after joining his brother at the West Yorkshire side.
As reported by Examiner Live, the club’s assistant manager has spoken about the importance of recruiting the right players in the New Year and discussed the role he will play in the January activity.
Huddersfield have improved significantly following the arrival of the Cowley brothers, rising out of the relegation zone following a sequence of just one defeat in their last eight matches.
Leeds chief discusses nearly capturing Daniel James
Daniel James has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing season so far for Manchester United but the trajectory of his career could have been a lot different if a move in January went ahead.
The Wales international was on the verge of joining Leeds United from Swansea City but a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour on Deadline Day, leaving Marcelo Bielsa’s side furious and James’ future up in the air.
Come the summer, James had sealed a big-money move to the Premier League and has proven his worth for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, while Leeds missed out on a return to the top-flight after defeat in the play-offs.
Whether James would have changed that outcome for Leeds will be an unknown but the club’s chief Victor Orta has now discussed the failed deal when speaking to Sky Sports .
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