Leicester handed boost in Inter chase as Leeds boss swerves transfer question
It has been almost two weeks since the January transfer window opened and EFL clubs up and down the country have been busy trying to do those all-important deals before it shuts on February 1.
Here are some of today's EFL transfer headlines for clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two, alongside analysis from our EFL72 team. You can also sign-up to the EFL72 newsletter for daily updates throughout the transfer window...
Leicester handed major transfer boost
It has been one of the more high-profile transfer rumours in the EFL so far this January but it appears Leicester are getting closer to a move for Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi. Reports had previously emerged that Leicester had made enquiries about the 28-year-old's availability, who has struggled for game time at the San Siro so far this season.
And, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, per FcInterNews, Sensi has "now said yes" and agreed to make the move from Italy to the King Power Stadium this month. Whilst no deal has currently been officially struck, it is believed a move for the midfielder would cost just €2 million (£1.72m), with his deal at Inter set to expire at the end of the season.
EFL72 says:“Leicester already look like they'll be on their way back to the Premier League come the end of the season and a signing of this calibre will only enhance their title chances. Sensi would bring experience from one of Europe's top leagues and seems a no-brainer at the sort of price tag being suggested"
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Farke swerves Giles question
It's been a busy week in the full-back department for Leeds, following the loan return of Djed Spence and departure of long-term stalwart Luke Ayling. That, of course, leaves Daniel Farke's side a bit short on numbers when it comes to full-backs and speculation has already begun around who will replace them, with the latest name being Luton Town's Ryan Giles.
Giles, who made a £5m move to the newly-promoted Hatters in the summer, played a starring role for Middlesbrough in the Championship last season but has since been in-and-out of Luton's team in the top flight. However, when asked about the possibility of the club having any interest in a move for the 23-year-old, Farke wasn't keen on giving anything away.
He said: “No, I don’t speak about any players because it doesn’t help. We just want to speak about players when business is done and that’s it. As you know I'm a big fan of being open and honest and what we need to do. I was the same way in the summer. I have to say I'm a bit more careful in January because this market is difficult.
"We have a few areas where we are a bit too little in number but I also know the January market is difficult. Of course we have a few positions it would be great to strengthen. It also doesn't help if I speak publicly if we need to bring in a player in this or that position, in negotiations, it just puts the prices up."
EFL72 says:“Giles excelled in the Championship last season and it didn't surprise anyone that he got his chance in the Premier League. However, that move to Luton hasn't quite worked out as of yet and a way back into the Championship may be a good thing given Leeds' problems at full-back."
Steven Schumacher (Malcolm Couzens/Getty)Stoke boss explains transfer thinking
Stoke City boss Steven Schumacher insists he will try to improve any area of his squad if the chance arises this month. The new Potters head coach has already strengthened his team since his arrival in December, bringing in goalkeeper Daniel Iversen and midfielder Luke Cundle on loan deals from Leicester and Wolves respectively.
The arrival of Cundle did not necessarily represent an area where improvement was needed but the Stoke boss insisted that it was too good of a chance to turn down. “When the option was there to bring Luke to the club we said to do it because he will add to the team," he said.
“If I feel as if there’s a player out there who will improve the team, we’ll look to try to bring him in. If we feel there’s a centre-forward, we’ll look to try to do that and as long as we work within our budget and recruitment plan, that’s fine. We just have to make sure the team gets better because to pull away from the relegation zone, that’s what it’s going to take.”
EFL72 says:“Stoke recruited heavily in the summer so you wouldn't blame fans for being wary over the possibility of another overhaul in January. However, Schumacher does seem to recognise where his side still needs improvement and looks to have a strong plan in place to sign the players that he thinks suit his system best."
Swansea braced for transfer 'frenzy'
New Swansea City manager Luke Williams is ready to make his mark on his new side as the club continue their work in the January transfer window. Williams joined the Swans from League Two Notts County earlier this month and will be taking charge of his first Championship game against Birmingham this weekend.
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But while one eye is on preparations for that game, Williams is also working hard behind the scenes on the transfer front, and it's safe to say that the window is an aspect of management he really enjoys. "I love it - this type of frenzy to make us better," he said. "People are working so hard. We are getting lots of information on lots of different players.
"Imagine we are trying to furiously put a jigsaw puzzle together, with so many people picking up different pieces at the same time. The thing I see is a frenzy of activity, so many people wanting to make a big contribution, so I am really excited about that. "I am really pleased we have that much expertise and that much energy to try to strengthen us."
EFL72 says:“Coming into a new club mid-transfer window is never an easy position to be in for any manager but Williams looks as if he's ready to go with a good recruitment team around him. Swansea need some reinforcements to help them climb up the table a bit and it'll definitely be a frantic couple of weeks in trying to secure the signatures needed."
West Brom linked with EFL veteran
West Brom are reportedly in talks over a move for Bristol City forward Andreas Weimann. Carlos Corberan is on the lookout for cover in his squad after an injury saw Matt Phillips sidelined, loanee Jeremy Sarmiento was recalled by parent club Brighton and Grady Diangana travelled to AFCON with DR Congo.
Weimann, 32, is currently club captain at Ashton Gate having made over 200 appearances and scored 50 times in the Championship since his move from Derby County in 2018. He had featured regularly this season before injury but is yet to feature under current boss Liam Manning, and has just six months remaining on his current contract.
Bristol Live report that the Austrian is unlikely to receive a new deal at the end of the season and therefore could become available for a move in this window. Discussions are also around potentially including the Weimann move as part of the deal to make Taylor Gardner-Hickman's switch to Ashton Gate permanent, with the 22-year-old on a season-long loan and the Robins holding a purchase option in that agreement.
EFL72 says:“Given his experience at EFL and Premier League level this could turn out to be a bit of shrewd signing for West Brom and Carlos Corberan. Weimann isn't getting the game time under his new boss and with his contract up anyway at the end of the season, a move in January could be what is best for all parties here."
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