06 January 2024 , 04:30
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The January transfer window is buzzing with activity as clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two race to get business done between now and the end of the month.
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...
Amad reveals 'what he wants' amid Leicester claim
There has already been plenty of speculation in the January window when it comes to the future of Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, with the Ivorian having been linked to several Championship clubs - including current league leaders Leicester City. The Foxes have been said to have held interest in Amad since the summer but any potential deal was halted after he suffered a knee injury.
However, the 21-year-old has now appeared to have outlined his plans for his immediate future, having returned to the United squad following his lengthy period on the sidelines. Speaking to his parent club's website about his previous experience in the Championship he said: "It was a very good experience for me. It was my first time playing a lot of games every three days. It was hard but I want to play more football, to come back [to United] and play."
Read more here.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
EFL 72 says:It seems like some sets of Championship supporters are going to be disappointed by the end of the window, with Amad appearing to make his stance clear on any potential move away from Man Utd. We wouldn't rule everything out though and it would be some signing if a club come persuade him back into the second tier.
Wrexham tie down key stars for promotion bid
Wrexham have taken the first steps to bolster their aim of back-to-back promotions by tying down two of their key stars in Elliot Lee and Paul Mullin. The goal-scoring duo have both extended their deals in North Wales until 2027, allowing the club to fend off any outside interest - with Lee in particular reportedly being touted by Championship side Birmingham City.
The Red Dragons have also secured their first signing of the January window, with Luke McNicholas' loan deal set to made permanent. The goalkeeper joined the club in the summer on a loan to by basis and parent club Sligo Rovers' manager John Russell has since stated that it "will be a permanent deal".
Read more here.
EFL 72 says: Wrexham are right in the mix when it comes to the League Two promotion race and will no doubt be delighted to see key players such as Lee and Mullin decide to stay at such an important time for the club. A first signing through the door will also please the owners who will be expected to flex their financial muscles in the market this month.
Jordan James is attracting interest from Italy (Image: Mark Kerton/REX/Shutterstock)Birmingham reject third James bid
Birmingham star Jordan James has already been subject to plenty of January interest so far this month but the Blues are determined to hold on, rejecting a third bid for the midfielder from a club believed to be Serie A side Atalanta. It has been previously reported that James has already agreed personal terms for the move but nothing will happen until the two clubs can agree a deal.
The 19-year-old still has 18 months remaining on his current contract with an option to extend and the Blues are said to be in no rush to sell - with current caretaker boss Steve Spooner having already urged the club to knock back interest until the summer.
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:Losing James in the middle of the campaign could be a major issue for Birmingham, who now find themselves at the wrong end of the table. If they can convince him to stay until the end of the season at least, then he could be a key figure in their survival bid.
Leeds given new transfer priority
Arsenal lose eight players and sign three as January transfer window closes
Leeds United have found themselves a new transfer priority for the January window after it was confirmed that right-back Djed Spence would be returning to parent club Tottenham with immediate effect. The 23-year-old's time at the club was cut short after a knee problem saw him sidelined for over two months as he made just a handful of appearances at Elland Road.
In terms of reinforcements at full-back, the club are reportedly interested in Fenerbache's Bright Osayi-Samuel. The Nigerian has played in the Championship before for both Blackpool and QPR and can operate at right-back or out wide. Verona's Josh Doig is also believed to be a reported target for Daniel Farke's side.
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:It's been a frustrating period for Spence over the past couple of seasons since his big-money move to Spurs and many thought this loan to Leeds would bring similar outcomes to that of his time at Nottingham Forest. His departure now leaves Farke's side with a big hole at full-back should the likes of Luke Ayling also look to move on.
Heckingbottom yet to hold manager talks
The Championship has already seen several managerial changes in recent weeks but one man yet to secure another permanent job is former Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom. The 46-year-old left the Blades at the start of December and was replaced by ex-boss Chris Wilder at Bramall Lane.
In a report from Ryan Taylor, it's understood that Heckingbottom has not spoken to either Birmingham or Plymouth Argyle about taking up one of their vacant positions, with the former Premier League boss said to be on the radar for a role in the second tier.
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:Heckingbottom didn't exactly end his reign at Sheffield United in the best way but it does come as a slight surprise that no Championship clubs have decided to speak to him over a role. It may just be a thing of waiting for the right time for his next job, even if that stretches beyond January.
Ipswich land loan coup
Promotion chasers Ipswich Town have landed a major January transfer coup by securing the signing of Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis. The 26-year-old joins Kieran McKenna's side on a loan deal until the end of the season after not starting a match for Blackburn since November.
Travis is said to have previously attracted interest from the likes of fellow Championship club Millwall, who had bid for him in the summer, and Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. Ipswich remain second in the table but have experienced a dip in recent weeks and will look to the January market to help bolster their promotion challenge.
Read more here.
EFL 72 says:This is quite the statement from Ipswich to take another side's captain - especially in the January window. However, Travis' experience of the league will be a vital addition to McKenna's squad and will only aid their promotion push.