Leeds target Forest star as clock ticks on Leicester's Inter transfer

14 January 2024 , 07:00

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Leeds boss Daniel Farke is in the market for a full-back (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

EFL clubs are approaching the business end of the January transfer window, with just over two weeks to go to complete those all-important deals before the deadline on February 1.

Here are some of today's top 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...

Leeds continue full-back pursuit

It is no secret that Leeds United are on the lookout for a full-back in the January transfer window, following the recent departures of both former captain Luke Ayling and Tottenham loanee Djed Spence. The Whites reportedly have interest in Luton left-back Ryan Giles, but it has since been reported that they may also turn their attention to Nottingham Forest's Nico Williams.

Williams, 22, has featured 13 times for Forest so far this season but has only featured off the bench in his last three appearances under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo. However, it is understood that Forest are unlikely to want to do business in the January window, with the club keen to keep him at the City Ground.

A loan deal could be a possibility, although he is set to be a part of their squad at in coming weeks.

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EFL72 says:“Leeds are desperate to fill the void at full-back left by both Spence and Ayling as soon as possible and it's clear to see that they're are certainly shopping for high-quality replacements. Williams only joined Forest last season and still has plenty of potential, so it would be a surprise if they were willing to let him drop down into the Championship."

'Special situation' convinced Farke

Speaking of Leeds' departures, boss Daniel Farke has admitted that although he would have liked to have kept Ayling at the club this month, he had to respect his wishes to leave. Ayling, now 32, departed the club after seven-and-a-half years at Elland Road following frustrations over a lack of regular game time.

And with his contract up at the end of the season, Farke explained why he was willing to let the full-back leave to join their Championship rivals this month. "With Luke it was a special situation, I spoke a lot about my public admiration for him and us as a group," Farke told Leeds Live.

"He came to see us after the cup game. We talked with him. It was not the moment to think about it selfishly. We listened to him. He has done so much for the club. We have done a lot for him. He has given so much back."

Ayling became Boro's second signing so far this month, alongside midfielder Finn Azaz who joined up with Michael Carrick's side on January 5.

EFL72 says:“It says a lot about Ayling's status in the Leeds squad given how reluctant Farke seemed to let him go in this window. This will be seen as a major plus point for Middlesbrough, though, who will be looking forward to adding an experienced Championship star to their squad for the second half of the season."

Cardiff linked with Luton loan star

Luton's John McAtee has impressed on loan at Barnsley

Cardiff City have reportedly been linked with a move for Luton Town forward John McAtee. The 24-year-old has spent the first half of this season on loan at League One side Barnsley, scoring nine times and recording three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

However, despite his productive few months with the Yorkshire club, report that Luton want him to play at a higher level and the Bluebirds, along with Sunderland, Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town are interested in his signature. Cardiff are said to be keen to bolster their striker stable in this window and manager Erol Bulut has also admitted interest in Fenerbahce striker Umut Nayir and Bournemouth's Kieffer Moore.

EFL72 says:“It hasn't quite worked out for McAtee at Luton but he's been one of the top stars in the third tier during his loan spell this season. Barnsley will be disappointed to lose one of their key players should he be recalled but ultimately it will be up to the Hatters to decide at which level they would like him to play."

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Maresca knows time ticking on Sensi transfer

Leicester are continuing their pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi but may find themselves in a race against time to get a deal done before the end of the January window. Foxes boss Enzo Maresca is keen to bring the Italian to the King Power stadium this month with a new midfielder said to be a priority following the injury to Wilfred Ndidi.

However, of around €3m (£2.5m), it is understood that City are unable to bring him in until the cash is raised through sales. Maresca said that he was only informed last week of the financial situation at the club, admitting that he was “a little bit surprised” to receive the news, with his hope still being to bring in Sensi before he moves elsewhere.

“It’s the kind of player I really like," he said regarding the Inter man. "But in this moment, we are not allowed to do anything, so we’ll see what happens knowing that January is just one month and players are sometimes not able to wait all of the month.”

EFL72 says:“Maresca has made his midfield target clear this month and you'd imagine he won't be pleased should the club lose out when such a positive deal is available. It does look, however, that it is going to be a case of making some sales first, so we may see this one go to the wire until the Foxes get the right funds."

EFL clubs interested in young winger

A host of EFL clubs are credited with interest in Brentford winger Michael Olakigbe.He has appeared eight times off the bench in the Premier League for the Bees and joined the top flight club through their B team and is contracted until the summer of 2028.

Football Insider report that Swansea, alongside Blackburn, Derby and Oxford are interested in securing his services on loan - with enquires said to have already been made regarding his availability.

EFL72 says:“Olakigbe is one of Brentford's top youth prospects having already won the Premier League Cup with their B team and has made appearances in the top flight this campaign. It will be interesting to see which level the Bees see him at though, with clubs from both the Championship and League One after him this month."

Dave Crowther-Green