With the January transfer window now just a few days away from opening, EFL clubs have been busy preparing for signings, sales, loans and more as we enter the second half of the season.
Here are today's top transfer stories involving some of the 72 EFL teams - plus analysis from our EFL 72 team, who focus on content from clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two. Sign up to the EFL 72 newsletter below...
Birmingham Loanee a wanted man
On-loan Birmingham City striker Jay Stansfield has enjoyed a positive six months in the Midlands so far, scoring seven times in 21 Championship appearances following his move from Premier League parent club Fulham in the summer. However, despite his success, the Blues are currently struggling for results and falling down the division as things stand, and it appears that he is attracting interest higher up the table.
High-flying Ipswich pose the greatest threat to Birmingham for a deal but others – such as Stoke City – are also keeping close tabs on his situation. If the Tractor Boys were to offer a financial inducement – conditional on them being promoted to the top-tier – that could cause a re-think at Craven Cottage.
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Premier League odds and betting tips
EFL 72 says:Stansfield has been one of Birmingham's few positives this season, especially since the arrival of Wayne Rooney, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see parent club Fulham look for a move elsewhere. He's still only in his first season at this level and has bags of potential to lead the line for the majority of Championship clubs at just 21-years-old.
Piroe turned down Premier League for Leeds
Speaking of strikers, one of the league's top marksmen this season has been Leeds United's Joel Piroe, who made the move to Elland Road in the summer from Swansea City. The Dutchman has scored nine times in 20 Championship games so far this season as Daniel Farke's side push for a return to the top flight - but it could have been very different.
In an interview with ESPN, Piroe revealed that he had "a number of options" when it came to a summer transfer, including some from the division above. However, he opted to sign with Leeds, with the chance of increased game time and the prospect of fighting for promotion to the Premier League some of the key factors in his decision.
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EFL 72 says:Piroe has been one of the signings of the season so far in the Championship and it'll be music to Leeds fans' ears that he decided to choose them over a move to the Premier League. However, they'll have to hope that he can help fire them back to the top flight this season, otherwise the phone might start ringing once again.
Have Your Say! Tell us which player should be your club's top January target in the comments section below.
Coventry 'keen' on top League One prospect
Coventry City have been linked with a January transfer window move for midfielder Marc Leonard, who is currently enjoying an extended loan spell at League One club Northampton Town. Leonard, who had re-joined the Cobblers from Premier League side Brighton in the summer, has enjoyed 18 months in Northamptonshire and become an almost ever-present as they sit mid-table in the third tier.
However, according to the Daily Record, it is believed that the Sky Blues are interested in making a move for the 22-year-old alongside a number of rival clubs. Reports claim Coventry are "looking at giving him a potential step up to the Championship" with boss Mark Robins "impressed" with his performances.
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World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow
EFL 72 says:Making the step up to the Championship can be a tough move to make for many League One and Two players but this looks like a great opportunity for Leonard should Coventry manage to complete a deal. He's already established himself as a key player in the third tier and a move to one of the Championship's top clubs could be fantastic for his development.
Brighton midfielder Marc Leonard - currently on loan at League One Northampton Town - is reported to be wanted to Coventry City (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Manning reveals Gardner-Hickman stance
Bristol City are in no rush to make a decision on Taylor Gardner-Hickman’s future beyond this season, according to boss Liam Manning. The midfielder has been a consistent name on the team sheet at Ashton Gate since his loan move from West Brom, converting into a midfield role after initially deputising at right-back.
The Robins are understood to have an option to make his move permanent for a believed fee of £1.3million but the City boss says the club are in "no rush" to strike a deal in the January window. In a report from BristolLive, the 21-year-old has previously declared that he considers himself Bristol City player, despite being contracted at the Hawthorns until 2026.
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EFL 72 says:Gardner-Hickman is considered as one of the Championship's top young prospects and it was seen as a bit of coup when Bristol City managed to strike this deal with West Brom. Given his game time and popularity so far at the club, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him there permanently, even if he has to wait until the summer.
Rosenior delivers Derby link verdict
Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior has poured cold water on reports linking his side with a move for Derby County winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. According to a report from the Hull Daily Mail, reports emerged on Thursday that the club could look to sign the Rams winger when the transfer window opens on Monday with the 31-year-old coming into the final six months of his current deal.
Mendez-Laing has impressed for the East Midlands club so far this season, scoring six times and notching ten assists. However, the Tigers boss gave a surprised response when asked about a potential move stating that it was "the first time I've heard Nat's name." mentioned regarding a transfer.
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EFL 72 says:A very experienced EFL player at this point, Mendez-Laing's goals and assists have helped Derby into the play-off places as they bid for a return to the Championship. A move in January would no doubt have a big effect on them but could go under the radar as a shrewd move for several second-tier sides.
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