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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Middlesbrough and West Brom eye loan coup, Preston want Fulham freebie - Championship rumours

The transfer window may have opened on Friday and with the pre-season dates looming, managers around the Championship will be stepping up their business to get deals over the line sooner rather than later.

With players still contracted to their clubs until June 30, patience may have to be a virtue for managers with many eager to weigh up the best deals possible before committing their futures.

That reason alone emphasises why the business concluded by Nigel Pearson has been thoroughly impressive with Kane Wilson the third new face through the door after the three-year deal was announced on Friday evening, following in the footsteps of Mark Sykes and Kal Naismith.

Cash is also likely to be tight for many clubs with many forced to sell before they are able to delve into the market themselves and we are likely to see a domino effect of deals as the summer progresses.

Here are the latest rumours from the Championship...

Preston in the running to sign Fulham defender

Preston have yet to make a move in the transfer window but they've been linked with a couple of notable names including striker Andre Gray.

Alan Nixon also claims the club are closing in on the signing of right-back Cyrus Christie on a free transfer when his contract expires on July 1. The 29-year-old spent three-and-a-half years with the Cottagers having achieved two promotions.

He spent last season on loan with Swansea, making 23 appearances in total and impressed under Russell Martin. Christie has previously commented on how he would "love" to stay with the Welsh side although admitted, "the ball's in their court."

Christie also told the Athletic: "Other opportunities are presenting themselves now as well. I’m not silly enough or naïve enough to just put all my eggs in one basket.”

Millwall and Stoke want Derby defender

Championship rivals Stoke and Millwall are looking to take advantage of Derby's plight as they target right-back Nathan Byrne, according to Derbyshire Live.

The Rams' Players' Player of the Season has 12-months left on his contract after the club exercised a year option in his contract so they would demand a transfer fee for the 30-year-old.

Derby are expected to lose a number of key names this summer following their relegation and ongoing takeover debacle. Curtis Davies has been linked with both City and Hull while Festy Ebosele has already joined Serie A side Udinese.

Tom Lawrence is also leaving on a free transfer with Leeds, Southampton and Celtic all linked in recent weeks.

Nathan Byrne could leave Derby County (James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

Middlesbrough and West Brom chase Leicester midfielder

Both Championship sides are expected to be active this summer and reports on Sunday are linking them with Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury on a temporary deal.

The Foxes player would be seen as a coup if he does drop down to the Championship although his time at Leicester could be over having made just 12 appearances across all competitions last season.

The Sun believe both Boro and the Baggies are looking into his availability as they look to build sides capable of mounting a promotion push. Choudhury is expected to cost a fair amount on wages should either side take the plunge.

Burnley eye Blackpool right-back

Burnley may still be on the lookout for a new manager but it's not preventing them from looking towards strengthening their squad. According to The Sun, the recently-relegated side have turned their attentions to Blackpool's Jordan Gabriel.

Vincent Kompany is still expected to take the job but has given the green light to look at Gabriel who has enjoyed a good season with the Tangerines following his arrival from Nottingham Forest.

He was initially on loan at Blackpool in their promotion campaign from League One before signing permanently. The report suggests Gabriel could be a replacement for Connor Roberts who may be heading to the Premier League. Lots of ifs and buts with that one.

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