Leeds United are still sitting pretty at the Championship summit. However, the Whites - and other EFL promotion hopefuls - are still working around the clock to strike-up business in the transfer market.

As things stand, there are just four points between Leeds, Burnley, Sheffield United and fourth-placed Sunderland after 26 matches played. It means what goes on during the January transfer window could be pivotal to give each side a potential edge in their ongoing push for the top-flight.

Despite their high standing, Leeds have been mentioned particularly regularly on the rumour mill. Here, we take a closer look at the latest news, gossip and rumours surrounding the Whites and their Championship rivals;

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Leeds United suffer Louie Barry transfer blow

Leeds have reportedly suffered a major blow in their proposed swoop for Louie Barry. The in-form and in-demand Aston Villa forward returned to the Premier League club last week, after shining during a 18-month loan spell with Stockport County - in which he spearheaded them to League Two promotion.

In addition to that, he took to League One by storm this campaign - scoring 15 goals in 23 matches. Naturally, that prompted interest from Championship sides including the Whites and Sunderland.

However, reports from Alan Nixon via Patreon - as relayed by Football League World - say that Derby County are closing in on a deal. It's mooted that Villa were open to a permanent sale, but another loan seems more likely and Leeds are poised to miss out in that regard.

Ben Godfrey still being monitored at Elland Road

Reports from TBR Football reckon Leeds are still monitoring Ben Godfrey, despite his loan switch to Ipswich, with next summer earmarked as an ideal time to swoop. Winning promotion to the Premier League is viewed as key to making that deal happen eventually, though.

The former Everton defender, 26, is currently on loan at Ipswich from Italian side Atalanta, having joined them for around £10million (€12million) last summer. Godfrey has long-since been mooted as a major target for the Whites, at least in in previous years, but will he eventually sign?

Jobe Bellingham tipped for £20m move

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.

Josh Windass in shock £10m link with Santos

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.