Leeds exit confirmed as Premier League club target Sunderland star
There's always a lot of chatter about the biggest, most costly deals during the January transfer window, with Premier League clubs often nabbing the best up-and-coming talent from EFL clubs.
But clubs up and down the EFL pyramid have their own business to wrap up this month as dreams of promotion - and dodging the drop - become clearer after half a season of football. Here are some of today's top transfer stories involving Championship, League One and League Two teams...
Leeds exit confirmed and asking price 'set'
Charlie Cresswell's days look numbered at Elland Road, with a lack of game time making a Leeds United exit a realistic possibility in January. Cresswell's absence from the side which beat Peterborough in the FA Cup looks like writing on the wall, and the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Leeds will consider selling - but only if clubs match their £4-5million valuation.
That's a steep fee for a player with a lack of minutes, but Ipswich, Middlesbrough and Blackburn are all reportedly interested in the youngster - and the Post reports that a multi-million fee would be a boon for Leeds from an FFP perspective given Cresswell came through the academy.
EFL 72 says: A £4-5m fee realised as pure profit would give Leeds a lot of wiggle-room for January signings, though you'd imagine the club would want to include a generous sell-on fee and/or a buy-back clause to ensure they can still profit should Cresswell go on to realise his obvious potential at his next club.
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Sunderland starlet wanted by West Ham
Jack Clarke has been a top performer for Sunderland with 12 goals to mark him out as the Black Cats' top scorer so far this season, but that success doesn't come without its risks for the club. According to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are interested in the 23-year-old forward - but with the added caveat that Sunderland are 'under no pressure' to sell given his contract runs until 2026.
EFL 72 says: Clarke will look at Jarrad Bowen's jump from Hull to West Ham and see that David Moyes is a safe bet for giving him the chance to make the jump to Premier League football, though Sunderland are in a strong position with his contract and it would take a big offer - silly money, probably - to let him leave right now.
Derby and Portsmouth linked with ex-Birmingham striker
In January, strikers who can score goals are always in high demand, and the competition for Cliftonville star Ronan Hale is hotting up in League One. Football Insider reports that Derby, Portsmouth, Blackpool, Bolton and Peterborough all have an interest in Hale, who was previously at Birmingham. Hale has been impressing in the Northern Ireland Premiership, with scouts from League One clubs said to be keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old - but they may have to act fast, with Wrexham also said to be interested and able to offer the big bucks.
Football Insider also says Portsmouth and Derby are eyeing Wigan's Callum Lang. The former Liverpool player might be on the move, with both clubs seeing him as a top target and a 'key addition' to their plans. But Pompey's Rich Hughes told The News they're not after him, which could make things easier for Derby.
EFL 72 says: January is always a time of transfer denial, though Pompey's official stance will be music to the ears of the likes of Derby, Blackpool and Bolton in that elusive search for players who know how to put the ball in the back of the net.
Hull dent Charlton and Bristol City plans
Charlton Athletic and Bristol Rovers need strengthening in midfield, and Greg Docherty from Hull City is said to be on their radar. However, Hull Live reports that the Tigers might not let Docherty go right now because they need him while other Jean Michael Seri and Adama Traore are away on AFCON duty.
EFL 72 says: Hull will not willingly weaken themselves with their midfield already light as things stand, though whether Docherty is willing to look the other way regarding January interest before Traore and Seri return remains to be seen.
Rhodes boost for Blackpool
Jordan Rhodes is doing great work at Blackpool, scoring 15 goals on loan from Huddersfield to sit joint top of the League One goal standings. He's a big hit, but loans can be tricky because the parent club often wants their star performer back. Luckily, Blackpool's boss Neil Critchley has told BBC Radio Lancashire that Rhodes will stay for the season: "The window Huddersfield had to recall him has passed. We're delighted because he's been fantastic on and off the pitch." Meanwhile, Middlesbrough defender Hayden Coulson has also joined on loan for the rest of the campaign.
EFL 72 says: It's simple really - keeping the joint top scorer in your league for the rest of the season can only ever be good news, and Rhodes' extension should give them a real shot at a play-off push.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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