Three clubs locked in Jobe Bellingham transfer race as £30m January option emerges
January is now in full swing as clubs across the EFL continue to put transfer plans in place.
Sunderland, who are among four sides currently locked in an intense battle for Premier League promotion, are in touching distance from the Championship summit. As thing stand, they are three points behind Leeds United with Burnley and Sheffield United standing between them in second and third place respectively.
A huge signing or two could well be the difference this campaign. Here, we take a closer look at the latest gossip and rumours doing the rounds in the Championship;
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Three clubs pursue £20m Jobe Bellingham
Three clubs are reportedly monitoring Jobe Bellingham this month. However, according to simultaneous reports from The Sun, Sunderland are desperate to keep him at the club - with a fresh decision to be made next summer.
Crystal Palace, Tottenham and West Ham are said to be on red alert. A fee around £20million has been mooted.
Huge figure set for Ben Doak transfer
Elsewhere in the north east, Middlesbrough loanee Ben Doak is subject to fresh speculation and a possible move before January ends. The 19-year-old Liverpool starlet has scored two goals with six assists this season.
However, after seemingly being made available for a permanent transfer, several outlets flag him up as a possible target for Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham. It's said that Liverpool want a deal worth £30million with add-ons, while Doak himself is said to be "willing" to cut short his stay with Middlesbrough for something concrete.
Crystal Palace target Championship prospect
In-demand Millwall prospect Romain Esse is, reportedly, subject to interest from the top-flight. Once again, Palace are flagged up as potential suitors, this time according to The Evening Standard.
Sporting director Dougie Freedman is thought to have watched the teenager extensively this season. No ball-park transfer fee is mentioned in that article, but it does state that contact has been made.
Millwall enter Louie Barry transfer race
A new club has emerged in the much-talked-about transfer race for Sunderland-linked Louie Barry. Millwall, as per reports from South London Press, monitoring the 21-year-old alongside Leeds United and Derby County.
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, including from Sunderland themselves.
