The mid-season transfer window is in full swing as Leeds United and their Championship rivals continue to hatch plans for January and beyond.

A marquee signing or two could be the difference between the Whites claiming promotion back into the big time, especially with so many teams genuinely pushing for a Premier League spot. Leeds, who are top, are still just three points above fourth-placed AFC Sunderland.

Burnley and Sheffield United and sandwiched between them. Here, we glance at the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds on the Championship scene;

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New club enters Louie Barry transfer race

Speculation around Leeds-linked Louie Barry has been at fever pitch this month - and a new suitor has seemingly emerged for his sought-after signature. But will Millwall actually come calling?

The in-form and in-demand Aston Villa forward, 21, returned to the Premier League outfit this month after shining during the 18-month loan spell he had with Stockport County. Barry helped Stockport to promotion from League Two last season, while he totted-up 15 goals in 23 games so far this season in League One, leading to such interest from the Championship.

In addition to links with Leeds, Sunderland and Derby County - among others - Barry is pin-pointed as a target for Millwall by South London Press. You can read more on that particular rumour here >>>

Sunderland determined to keep Jobe Bellingham

Reports from The Sun indicate Sunderland are desperate to keep Jobe Bellingham this month amid heavy-handed interest from Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace, Tottenham and West Ham are said to be monitoring the player, with £20million earmarked as a would-be transfer fee.

However, while the Black Cats have a clear valuation, the 19-year-old might not be going anywhere. The Sun state that Sunderland will instead readdress the situation next summer.

Ben Doak price tag set at £30m with add-ons

Elsewhere in the north east, Middlesbrough could see their own promotion bid dented, with growing speculation on Ben Doak and his future emerging. The on-loan Liverpool forward has been a star man for the club - this season - with two goals and six assists from 21 games in the Championship.

However, the 19-year-old has seemingly been made available for a permanent transfer. Several outlets flag him up as a potential target for Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

A transfer fee worth £30million with add-ons has been proposed. Doak himself is claimed to be willing to cut short his stay with Middlesbrough in order to get something more concrete in place away from Liverpool.

Crystal Palace make move for Championship starlet

Palace have, reportedly, made contact with Millwall about signing their highly-rated youngster Romain Esse.

Esse, 19, is underlined as a mid-season option for the Eagles by The Evening Standard. No ball-park transfer figure is revealed for the player, but the article indicates that Palace sporting director - and former striker Dougie Freedman - has been to watch the teenage forward play on multiple occasions this season.