EFL Championship transfer news: Middlesbrough star exit link, Sheffield Utd plot move, Coventry City ace wanted | OneFootball

FLW rounds up the latest transfer news coming out of the second tier

There are less than four weeks until the transfer window reopens for business, allowing for teams across the globe to add to their respective squads in order to help achieve their short-term goals for the remainder of the season.

The Championship has been full of drama since it kicked off for yet another campaign on Friday, August 8th, and with the table extremely congested, many clubs in the division will see the upcoming window as a significant opportunity to bolster their ranks and push for promotion as the season edges closer to a season-defining period.

With the league being the current home to several highly-rated homegrown and imported talents, it is no surprise that those higher up the food chain continue to look at the second tier in a completely different light in comparison to the not-too-recent past, meaning some sides may be vulnerable to losing a prized asset or two.

Of course, football doesn't stop in the meantime, as there are a barrage of fixtures to be fulfilled between now and New Year's Day, when the window reopens after previously slamming shut on September 1st, whilst Deadline Day has been pencilled in for Monday, February 3rd with a closing time of 11PM.

With that being said, Football League World have covered all the recent major transfer developments coming out of the Championship.

Fulham and Brighton staff cast scouting mission on Middlesbrough FC star Hayden Hackney

One man who was constantly the subject of intense transfer interest in the summer was Middlesbrough's chief midfield operator and England youth international, Hayden Hackney.

The Reds' homegrown ace has been linked with a plethora of Premier League and European top-flight sides for the past two windows now, with it being reported that the 23-year-old had informed Boro of his desire to leave should an acceptable offer for his services come their way.

Plenty of offers were placed throughout the window from the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers - now managed by ex-Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards - before Football League World exclusively revealed on September 30th that Fulham had thrown their hat into the ring for Hackney's signature after conducting scouting missions earlier in the season.

It has now been reported by TEAMtalk that representatives from the Cottagers, as well as chiefs from Brighton and Hove Albion, had watched the midfielder play a key role in his side's 4-1 rout against Hull City on Friday night, a result which made it back-to-back wins under new head coach, Kim Hellberg.

Unsurprisingly, though, Middlesbrough hope to retain his services in order to continue their promotion push under the newly-appointed Swede.

Sheffield United's season has been one of inconsistency and change, with Chris Wilder preparing for a critical January window as he attempts to continue resurrecting the disastrous start the Blades endured in Ruben Selles' six-game reign.

The 58-year-old has continuously referenced his forward-planning for the window, which saw a document filed regarding transfer plans as early as the start of October, whilst FLW exclusively revealed that Ben Godfrey, Tyler Bindon and Louie Barry are to all see their loan spells cut short.

However, fresh speculation has emerged on the incomings front at Bramall Lane, with Alan Nixon claiming that the South Yorkshire side are keeping tabs on Wigan Athletic goalkeeper, Sam Tickle.

The 23-year-old is under contract until 2028 with the League One side, and is highly regarded within the game after previously impressing on national television against Manchester United in the FA Cup back in January 2024, which saw interest from Arsenal come his way the following summer.

Nixon also claims that such developments are taking place should Michael Cooper receive interest of his own, with the Exeter native the subject of summer interest from West Ham United and Everton.

Coventry City centre-back Bobby Thomas has been one of the division's standout performers thus far, and he is once again at the forefront of a transfer saga involving several Premier League sides.

Both Sheffield United and Brentford were unsuccessful in landing the defender's services in the summer. However, it has now been claimed by The Sun that several top-flight clubs, including the Bees, Leeds United and Everton, are all interested in striking a deal.

The report states that representatives from the Whites and the Toffees have both conducted scouting missions as they look to land a January move for the man who joined the Sky Blues for £2m from Burnley in the summer of 2023.

Preston North End offered hope of retaining 18-year-old Everton ace amid January recall talk

Preston North End have been offered hope in their chances of retaining the services of on-loan Everton midfielder, Harrison Armstrong.

That's because the 18-year-old ace has reaffirmed his desire to stay at Deepdale for the full season away from the Toffees as he continues an upward trajectory of individual development.

As a result of such impressive form, fear has emerged over a potential January recall from ex-North End boss, David Moyes. However, whilst knowing that developments are out of his hands, the England youth international's comments have certainly gone down well with Lilywhites supporters.

“Well, I think it's out of my hands,” he said. “Whatever decision is made, I just hope it's the best for my development.

“I'd love to stay here and contribute to a season," stated the midfielder.

“Hopefully, we can get in and amongst the play-offs but like I said, I'm just leaving it to the hands of the people who control it and just getting on with my football.”