With the Premier League transfer merry-go-round spinning away happily, there has also been plenty of activity in the Championship, with a host of clubs looking to join the Premiership party this time next season.
Aston Villa have attracted the most attention, with their pursuit of Chelsea legend John Terry, and he looks very likely to land at Villa Park. Villa have offered him the attractive proposition of a title winning challenge and playing for arguably the biggest club outside of the Premier League as Terry looks to conclude his glittering career.
Nothing has been firmed up, however, and second city rivals Birmingham City have also declared an interest; but cannot compete with the Villa bid. They look set to land the former England captain, as Terry prefers to remain in England, rather than go to China or the USA.
Derby County look set to complete a deal for Liverpool full-back Andre Wisdom early next week, but much of the activity at Pride Park has been to do with outgoing players. Watford completed a deal for midfielder Will Hughes, who has been on duty with the England under-21 squad.
Speculation remains rife that Premier League new-boys Huddersfield Town and Newcastle United are wanting wide-man Tom Ince, although they could be put off by the £10 million valuation Derby have on him. The Rams have missed out on Australian international Aaron Mooy, who has been sold to Huddersfield Town where he played all last season. However, Rams fans will be heartened that striker Chris Martin is back with the club from his Fulham exile, and midfielder George Thorne is likely to be fully fit again for the start of the new season.
Much of the activity at Elland Road, home of Leeds United, has been behind the scenes as new Club Chairman Andrea Radrizzani immediately endeared himself and those he represents as owners of the club, by announcing that Elland Road once again belongs to Leeds United. He did that by buying it back from the local council, who had owned it since 2004.
On the pitch, Leeds have been linked with Bologna defender Filip Helander, who they see as the long-term partner to Pontus Jansson. The two played together at Malmo and for the Swedish national team. However, the clubs need to agree on a fee, although Leeds have tabled just under £2m, but Bologna holding out for double that number.
Elsewhere, Cardiff City have rebuffed Sheffield Wednesday’s approach for their captain Sean Morrison, who offered £3m for the centre-half. Fulham have signed teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon to a contract and fended off the advances of Tottenham Hotspur.
Bristol City have broken their transfer record, paying £5.3 million for striker Famara Diedhiou, from French outfit Angers. City’s last record was the £3.2 million they paid for Jonathan Kodjia, also from Angers – who went on to be their top scorer until he was sold to Aston Villa for £15 million. Robins fans will be hoping for a similar outcome with Diedhiou.
Burton Albion have added experience to their squad by signing veteran defenders Jake Buxton and Stephen Warnock. Striker Chris O’Grady has left the Brewers to join Chesterfield.
There promises to be much more activity across July as the Championship teams build to the season kick-off on Friday August 4, when Sunderland host Derby County.
