Villa learn Boro star's asking price as Leeds target four January deals
We are now three weeks into the January transfer window, and though there has been little in the way of major movement from the 72 clubs up and down the EFL ladder, that should change as the month progresses.
There have been a few standout deals to talk about from the Championship, League One and League Two so far, with Liverpool playmaker Fabio Carvalho opting to join Hull City on loan amid a clamour for his signature. Other clubs have been more guarded as financial realities bite Premier League clubs, meaning less money is flowing than in previous windows.
Despite that uncertainty, there is plenty of time left for clever moves in January, and we will keep you covered with all the latest news, rumours and gossip with today's EFL transfer notebook - and we also have expert analysis from the EFL72 newsletter, which you can sign up to below...
Villa chase Boro star
Middlesbrough star Morgan Rogers has been drawing a lot of attention of late, and a move to Aston Villa could be on the cards. According to transfer behemoth Fabrizio Romano, Villa have submitted an improved - and significant - bid to finally land Rogers, who is said to see a move to Villa Park as a ‘huge opportunity’.
Boro rejected a second Villa offer on Friday morning but that does not seem to have put Unai Emery off - and it seems a resolution could be found if the price is right. According to the Independent, that price stands at £10million to get a deal done this month.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan moveEFL72 says:Rogers looks a real talent, and is capped all the way up to England U20 level. At just 21, he has a high ceiling - and though £10m is not cheap, it is exactly the sort of deal which could boost Villa's Champions League qualification hopes. For Boro, losing such a player would be a wrench, but £10m is a serious fee to reinvest this summer.
Audacious £9m Coventry bid fails
Coventry City had eyes on Argentinian Under-23 international Benjamin Rollheiser, but are said to have missed out despite putting together a "stunning" £9m package. The Sun reports that the Sky Blues wanted the 23-year-old winger this month, but have lost out to Benfica, with the Portuguese giants signing Rollheiser on loan with a compulsory purchase option.
EFL 72 says: You have to be ambitious to win promotion from the Championship, and City's bid for Rollheiser certainly was. Even though they've missed out to Benfica, the scale of the deal shows Coventry are open for business and signals their intentions - and their sizeable budget.
Four names on Leeds' wishlist
Fresh off the back of Leeds United's 2-1 win over Preston thanks to a late, late winner from Joel Piroe which boosted promotion hopes at Elland Road, attentions turn back towards the transfer window - and the Lilywhites are said to be after at least three players - and possibly four.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT that Leeds are "keeping across Ben Davies because, if Tottenham are to make some changes in their squad, he might be the one that becomes available." Along with Davies, Jacobs add that "... Ben Johnson and Connor Roberts are the names that Leeds are working on at the moment."
And one more for good measure - Daniel Farke could also raid Burnley to boost their attack. According to Football Insider, Leeds are in 'very advanced talks' to sign Burnley winger Manuel Benson on loan following talks on Saturday morning.
EFL72 says: Leeds' promotion chances are looking up after three straight wins, and multiple signings would keep the rest of the squad on notice that competition for places remains fierce. Davies would be a quality, versatile addition, and a valuable dressing-room presence.
Burnley winger on Birmingham's radar
Birmingham City badly need a lift after the dark days of the Wayne Rooney era, and Alex Pritchard appears to be in their sights. Football Insider states that City have made an approach for the Sunderland attacker, who is out of contract this summer and rated by former Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray.
EFL72 says: Pritchard has been a creative outlet for Sunderland this term, and his future remains uncertain - he could be a valuable free pick-up in the summer, though a nominal fee might allow Birmingham to get a deal over the line this month.