21 January 2024 , 07:00
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There is just a week-and-a-half left of the January transfer window, with clubs running out of time to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season and the final run-in.
There has been no shortage of eye-catching deals in the EFL, with the likes of Hull City, Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle all making moves in the market.
Yet for others, it has been a quiet month, with some clubs keeping their cards close to their chest, but that could all change in the final 12 days of the window.
Here’s today’s EFL transfer notebook, along with analysis from the EFL72 newsletter, which you can sign up to using the form below.
Leeds star ‘trying to leave’ in January
Italian journalist Matteo Moretti has reported that Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto is trying to leave Elland Road this month.
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The winger handed in a transfer request in the summer following Leeds’ relegation but the club refused to sanction his exit, with Gnonto subsequently becoming a regular in Daniel Farke’s side this season.
Yet that has not stopped the 20-year-old from attracting further transfer interest and it has now been claimed Gnonto is keen to leave this month, with West Ham said to be favourites to sign him.
EFL72 says:“It’s no surprise that Gnonto continues to attract Premier League interest - he’s got bags of potential and was one of the few Leeds players to come out of last season with any credit. Leeds are struggling to fund permanent signings due to FFP issues but it seems unlikely that they would be willing to sanction Gnonto’s departure this month.”
Birmingham City exit talks stall
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) report that Birmingham City have put the brakes on Jordan James’ proposed transfer to Atalanta.
The Serie A side’s interest in James has been a long-running subject so far this month as they look to strengthen their squad following an excellent start to the season.
Yet ongoing talks are said to have broken down due to a big difference between the two clubs’ valuation of the 19-year-old.
Whilst Birmingham are said to be asking for £8.5m for James, Atalanta have offered £4.5m, which has led to a stalemate - and Fiorentina are now also reportedly interested in the midfielder.
EFL 72 says:“James has reportedly agreed terms with Atalanta but news of Fiorentina’s interest will be music to Birmingham’s ears. They now have an alternative buyer should Atalanta keep dragging their heels over the asking price and this could enable them to play hardball over the sort of fee they can command for the teenager.”
Hull eye Turkish midfielder
Hull face plenty of competition for Abdulkadir OmurSports Digitale report that Hull City are once again looking at the Turkish market to strengthen their squad, with midfielder Abdülkadir Ömür the latest player on the Tigers’ radar.
Despite laying on six assists in 16 appearances this season, the 24-year-old has fallen out of favour at Trabzonspor, who would be willing to let Ömür if a club meets their conditions.
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Yet Hull face plenty of competition for the Turkey international, with Greek giants Panathinaikos also linked, along with reputed interest from the Netherlands.
EFL 72 says:“These links seem to be fairly tentative at the moment, with Ömür’s role as a No. 10 not considered to be a priority for Hull after they signed Fabio Carvalho on loan from Liverpool. Yet Ömür is a talented player and it may well be that Hull are taking a longer-term view to strengthening their squad for when loan players depart.”