05 January 2024 , 10:17
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With the January transfer window now fully underway, it's already been a busy start to the year for clubs across the country in the EFL.
Here are the latest transfer headlines, gossip and exclusive news for teams in the Championship, League One and League Two, along with transfer analysis from our EFL 72 team. You can also sign-up to our EFL 72 newsletter below for daily updates straight to your inbox...
Birmingham have two frontrunners to replace Rooney
Birmingham City are on the hunt for a new boss after the sacking of Wayne Rooney on Monday and appear to have their top candidates already. Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the job at St Andrews, alongside former Blue Gary Rowett, who is said to have been interested in re-joining the club.
Mowbray, who has also managed both West Brom and Blackburn in the Championship has been wanted on the lists of several managerial vacancies since his departure from the North East but has so far resisted any opportunity to get back into management in the division.
Read more here.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
EFL 72 says:Mowbray has been a popular target for several EFL clubs so far this season and it's easy to see why after his impressive tenure at Sunderland, guiding them to the play-offs last season. It would be quite the upgrade for Birmingham if they were to appoint him but it looks like it could take some convincing.
Finn Azaz has been in fine form in the Championship this season (Steve Bond/PPAUK)
Plymouth priced out of permanent Azaz deal
Former Plymouth Argyle loanee Finn Azaz looks set to be on his way to Middlesbrough this month, with the Teesside club reportedly agreeing a £2.5million move to the Riverside Stadium. There is no doubt that his loan club would have loved to have kept him in the South West but it has since been revealed that the club were not in a financial position to be able to sign him on a permanent basis.
In a report from the Plymouth Herald, it's believed other Championship clubs such as Bristol City and Southampton were interested in the midfielder, alongside French side Toulouse. Azaz issues a farewell message to Argyle supporters this week, stating that "The past 18 months really have been special," and that he will "leave the club with nothing but fond memories."
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:It's been a tough few weeks for Plymouth losing both their manager and now one of their star players in such a short space of time. However, an opportunity to join one of the league's so-called 'bigger' sides is not one that Azaz is going to turn down, especially given his form so far this season.
Amad to make Sunderland return?
Manchester United winger Amad could make a return to last season's loan club Sunderland this month. The Ivorian spent the previous campaign at the Stadium of Light scoring 14 times in 42 appearances, with United said to be considering options on his immediate future.
According to a report from HITC, Michael Beale's side face competition for his signature, with current league leaders Leicester said to be interested in a move. However, it's also believed that Erik ten Hag's side could opt to keep him at Old Trafford, given the side's current struggles in his position.
Read more here.
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
EFL 72 says:We're sure Sunderland fans would be desperate to see Amad back in a red and white shirt again given his exploits in the Championship last season. They do face top quality competition this time, however, and that could make the move difficult to navigate in the January window.
Leicester in fresh £12.9m transfer claim
Italian club Bologna are looking to open talks with current Championship leaders Leicester over their loan deal of defender Victor Kristiansen. The Dane has been on a season-long loan at the Serie A side since the summer which includes the possibility to make it permanent for 15 million euros (£12.94m).
However, a ccording to Corriere dello Sport (via ), Bologna consider the purchase fee high and may initiate further talks with the Foxes to drive the price down as they claim Kristiansen "has not yet fully convinced with his performances". The 21-year-oldmeanwhile, believes he has "no future" at the King Power Stadium after he struggled to make an impact after joining from FC Copenhagen for £17m last year.
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:This will no doubt be frustrating for Leicester who had already agreed a potential fee at the end of the current loan deal. It shouldn't be too much of an issue if they can negotiate a similar deal in this window but having it depend on performances may see it drag on.
Rosenior sends clear transfer message
Hull City boss Liam Rosenior has reiterated to supporters that his side will be active in this month's transfer window. The Tigers have already brought in striker Billy Sharp to add to their attacking arsenal but Rosenior believes he won't be the last addition before the month is out with the club keen to bring in three or four more arrivals.
The boss , though, is keen for fans to remain patient amid the general fervour of the January transfer window, with an expectation that some deals may go to the wire. "I'd love it all to be done on the first of January," he told Hull Live."We know what we're looking for, we know what we want and we're having those discussions with the clubs whose players we're interested in."
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:Hull have been one of the league's surprise packages so far this season and it's no surprise that they'll want to strengthen given their chase for promotion. Rosenior clearly knows what his squad needs but has to also manage expectations from supporters so it's important to outline what his plans are.