Former managers keen on Birmingham return as League One stars targeted
With the January transfer window now officially in full swing, EFL clubs across the country are taking the first steps in what will be a frantic month for business across all three divisions.
Read on for today's top transfer news and rumours for Championship, League One and League Two clubs with analysis from our EFL 72 team. Sign up to the EFL 72 newsletter below...
Ex-manager duo interested in Birmingham return
Birmingham City are another Championship club now on the lookout for a new manager after they took the decision to part company with Wayne Rooney on Tuesday. Rooney took charge of just 15 games at St Andrews and now Birmingham Live understand that two former Blues bosses are interested in a return to the club.
First up is the man who Rooney surprisingly replaced in October, John Eustace, who would be making a sensational return should the club choose to re-appoint him. However it's understood that unlikely to be the choice at the moment, but the 44-year-old Birmingham-based boss would welcome a return to St Andrew’s.
Read more here.
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Birmingham Live also understandthat the second former Blues boss is Gary Rowett, who has been out of work since leaving Millwall. Since his original stint at Birmingham he has guided Derby County into the Championship play-offs and achieved four straight top-half finishes at Millwall. Rowett departed The Den earlier this season and still lives locally.
EFL 72 says:A return for either of these managers would be a real shock given the other options that are currently available on the market. However, particularly in Eustace's case, the club may choose to go for familiarity over a new name, especially given where the club were under him when he was shockingly sacked.
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Derby boss issues transfer plea amid Championship interest
Derby County boss Paul Warne has issued his stance regarding interest from Championship clubs for midfielder Max Bird. Bird has been an almost ever-present for the Rams so far this season who currently sit in the League One play-off places.
The Championship club with the most interest in 23-year-old is Hull City, with the Hull Daily Mail reporting that Tigers boss Liam Rosenior has made Bird one of his top targets after attempting to sign him in the summer. Bird is out of contract with the League One club in the summer and has not yet signed a new dealwith Rosenior keen to link up with a player he worked with during his spell at Pride Park
EFL 72 says: One of the EFL's most promising young players over the past couple of years, it's honestly surprising that we haven't seen Bird make the move away from Pride Park earlier. We know that the Tigers have been interested in a move before and with Rosenior's links he could be a great signing to help continue an impressive promotion challenge.
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Jordan James celebrates scoring Birmingham's winner (Image:Mark Kerton/REX/Shutterstock)Serie A side submit bid for Birmingham star
It's been a busy month so far already at St Andrews! Jordan James has been one of the Birmingham's standout players so far this campaign and it's now understood that Serie A side Atalanta have made a formal bid for the midfielder.
According to Tutto Mercato, the initial fee will be around £4million with add-ons, with talks already advancing between the two clubs. James has scored five times in 24 Championship games this season and is already capped at international level for Wales.
EFL 72 says: James has been one of the few standouts for Birmingham in recent times, featuring regularly for the first-team at 19-years-old. A move to Europe is interesting and would certainly be a fine reward for his impressive displays in a struggling Championship side.
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Farke answers departure question
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hasn't ruled out the possible departure of defender Charlie Cresswell in this month's window. Cresswell has struggled for game time under Farke, making just six appearances this season and several clubs have been credited with an interest in England Under-21 international.
Ipswich, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Scottish giants Rangers are believed to have shown interest in the 21-year-old and when asked Cresswell's future, Farke told the media: "We will see. Charlie is a confident, proud player."
EFL 72 says:Cresswell is already a well-respected defender having spent last season on-loan at Millwall but has since struggled for game time back at his parent club. A move may be the best bet for his development and he appears to have a strong set of suitors lining up for his signature.
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Swansea scouts watch Bolton striker
Swansea City are reportedly said to have been watching Bolton and Northern Ireland striker Dion Charles. The claim the South Wales club and Championship rivals Hull are interested in the striker, who has netted 16 goals so far this season.
Charles also managed an impressive 21 goals last season, with his side now challenging for promotion back to the second tier. It is believed that the 28-year-old was watched by scouts at the club's recent fixture with Fleetwood Town.
EFL 72 says: Charles has impressed in the lower divisions for a number of seasons now both at Bolton and previous club Accrington Stanley and many believe it's time for him to make the jump up to the Championship. He's now 28 so will be eager to impress for a move to the second tier and he'll no doubt be a popular choice this month.
Read more here.
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