Liverpool FC to take Ajax transfer action - Derby County, West Brom, Swansea and Oxford Utd lining up swoops | OneFootball

Multiple Championship clubs are set to race for James McConnell

With the January transfer window approaching, Championship clubs are increasingly turning to the loan market for short-term solutions.

That urgency is heightened by a table tightly compressed around both the relegation places and the play-off fringes.

Liverpool midfielder James McConnell has emerged as one such option.

Uncertainty surrounding his stalled loan spell at Ajax has opened the door to a potential recall and redistribution within the EFL.

Interest has gathered pace from West Bromwich Albion, Derby County, Oxford United and Swansea City, all of whom enter the second half of the season facing very different pressures.

James McConnell loan recall to Liverpool FC sparks Championship interest

McConnell is likely to be recalled by Liverpool in January after falling out of favour at Ajax following the sacking of former Reds assistant John Heitinga, according to The Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old has seen his involvement significantly reduced in recent weeks, prompting Liverpool to reassess the value of continuing the loan.

Several Championship clubs have positioned themselves as potential destinations should McConnell become available.

West Brom, Derby County, Oxford United and Swansea City are all reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with Swansea’s interest strengthened by the recent appointment of former Liverpool coach Vitor Matos.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is also, meanwhile, considering whether to retain McConnell as short-term cover.

The midfielder could be involved in Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against Barnsley, but any competitive appearance would prevent him from joining another club on loan this season due to regulations limiting players to representing two clubs in a single campaign.

Given Liverpool’s current lack of midfield depth, there is an internal reluctance to sanction departures in January unless absolutely necessary.

As a result, McConnell’s immediate future hinges on whether Liverpool prioritise squad insurance at Anfield or development minutes elsewhere.

Championship context may shape McConnell’s next move: Derby County have an advantage that West Brom, Oxford United, Swansea City don’t

From an EFL perspective, McConnell’s appeal is obvious. He is a technically sound, tactically disciplined midfielder with elite academy pedigree - a profile increasingly sought by Championship sides.

Derby County appear the most stable of the interested clubs. Sitting mid-table and still within touching distance of the play-offs, the Rams have clarity in both structure and leadership.

Oxford United’s interest is rooted in necessity. With the club hovering just above the relegation zone and still without a permanent manager following Gary Rowett’s dismissal, reinforcement is essential.

However, the absence of long-term managerial direction may give Liverpool pause when considering player development guarantees.

Their efficacy in developing Tottenham Hotspur’s young prospect Will Lankshear, though, may work in the U’s favour.

At West Brom, the situation is more precarious. Ryan Mason is under growing pressure after a poor run of form, and uncertainty over the managerial future complicates recruitment.

While McConnell could add technical control to a struggling side, any imminent change in the dugout risks altering his role before he has settled.

Swansea City offer continuity of philosophy through Matos, but remain locked in a battle near the bottom end of the table. The promise of a familiar coaching voice may appeal to the Reds, yet minutes may not be guaranteed in a side fighting for survival.

The decision may ultimately be conservative from Liverpool. With squad depth already stretched and loan regulations limiting flexibility, retaining McConnell through the second half of the season may be deemed preferable to risking short-term disruption elsewhere.