Clubs across the Championship are getting down to business as they continue to build their respective squads. January is a notoriously difficult month in which to make the right additions - but Sunderland and their rivals are putting mid-season plans in place across the board.

With the battle for Premier League promotion so fierce, a marquee signing or two could be the main difference. Sunderland are currently fourth in the standings behind Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United and with just four points separating those sides.

The winter transfer window has been open for about a week now. Here, we take a closer look at the latest news and rumours surrounding Sunderland and other Championship sides;

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Jobe Bellingham linked with Crystal Palace

Hardly a day goes by when Jobe Bellingham is not linked with a Premier League side and Crystal Palace have now, seemingly, entered the proposed race for his much-talked-about signature.

Radio station talkSPORT pinpoint Bellingham as a mid-season target for the Eagles. It's suggested that he has been valued at around £20million by Sunderland, too, in order to protect their interests.

Palace have utilised the Championship market before - to fall in line with their transfer strategy. This time last year, the club snapped-up England midfielder Adam Wharton from Blackburn Rovers, while Bellingham is billed as a long-term target for the south London side.

Louie Barry set for Derby County loan

Derby County have emerged as front-runners to sign Louie Barry, on loan, amid ongoing links with Sunderland. The in-form and in-demand Aston Villa forward returned to the Premier League outfit last week after shining during the 18-month loan spell he had with Stockport County.

Barry helped Stockport earn promotion from League Two last season. He totted-up 15 goals in 23 matches so far this season in League One - sparking up interest from the Championship.

Several clubs - including Sunderland, Leeds and other top-flight promotion rivals - have been linked with the 21-year-old. However, reports from Alan Nixon via Patreon - as relayed by Football League World - argue that Derby are closing in on a deal.

It's mooted that Villa were open to a permanent sale. Ultimately, though, another loan seems more likely.

Josh Windass in shock approach

Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass has been flagged-up as a shock target for Brazilian side Santos. That's according to eye-catching reports from radio station talkSPORT.

Santos are said to have submitted a formal offer for the 30-year-old in their push to win promotion this campaign. They currently operate in the second tier - despite their rich history.

Windass has been in fine form for the Owls this season. Indeed, he has scored 10 goals. Santos are managed by his old manager at Rangers, Pedro Caixinha, hence the link.

The iconic Pele and current Brazil superstar Neymar have previously played for Santos!

Ben Godfrey still on Leeds United radar

Leeds will revive their interest in Ben Godfrey next summer - as long as they win promotion to the top-flight. The former Everton defender, 26, is currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Italian outfit Atalanta - having joined them for around £10million (€12million) last summer.

Godfrey has long-since been mooted as a target for the Whites in previous years. But will he eventually sign?

Reports from TBR Football indicate that the 26-year-old is still firmly in their crosshairs. However, after he touched down at Ipswich on loan, any proposed deal will not be possible until next summer.