Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Championship news RECAP: Leeds deal, Sunderland blow Aston Villa updates
LEEDS UNITED are set to sign Adam Forshaw, Liverpool have made a decision on Sunderland target Ben Woodburn’s future while Aston Villa look likely to miss out on Samuel Bastien - Express Sport brought you all the latest Championship news, rumours and gossip.
Liverpool are refusing to let Ben Woodburn join Sunderland on loan
Championship news live - Express Sport brings you the latest transfer gossip, rumours and done deals including updates on Adam Forshaw, Samuel Bastien, Ben Woodburn, Edwin Gyasi, Joey Pelupessy, Leonardo Ulloa, Jack Rodwell and Chris Martin.
Sunderland eye Chris Martin
11:50: Sunderland have launched a move for Derby striker Chris Martin.
The Black Cats hope to land the 29-year-old on a loan deal until the end of the season and have approached the Rams.
Chris Coleman has gone back to the drawing board after Liverpool blocked a loan move for Ben Woodburn while Burnley veteran Jon Walters underwent surgery on a knee injury.
Speaking about their striker search, the Black Cats boss said: “We’ve got to look at that. We’ve got two experienced players to replace and to help Josh.
“I don’t think we can do anymore than we’re doing to make something happen, we’re fully aware of the seriousness of it.”
Jack Rodwell refuses to tear up Sunderland contract
10:15: Jack Rodwell is refusing to rip up his £70,000-a-week Sunderland contract.
The Black Cats have offered Rodwell, 26, the chance to leave on a free as long as he waives a pay-off.
He told the Daily Mail: “I haven't put in a transfer request but I understand the club's stance and their position and, because of that, I understand it's beneficial for everyone if I move on.
“But it's not the fault of any footballer if a club decides to pay you a certain amount.”
Leeds trials
09:45: Leeds have offered trial spells to Pogon Szczecin starlets Bartosz Boniecki and Hubert Sadowski.
Dariusz Adamczuk, the president of Pogon’s Academy, said: “For both players it is a new experience and an opportunity to test themselves against the background of players from England.”
Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell is refusing to rip up his contract
Leonardo Ulloa to Aston Villa?
09:20: Aston Villa are odds-on with the bookies to sign Leicester striker Leonardo Ulloa.
Steve Bruce is on the hunt for a Jonathan Kodjia replacement and Ulloa, 31, fits the bill.
SkyBet price a move to Villa Park at 4/6.
Championship rivals Leeds are 13/2 to sign Ulloa.
A move to Sunderland is priced at 12/1.
Sheffield Wednesday close on deal
08:45: Sheffield Wednesday are closing in on the signing of Heracles midfielder Joey Pelupessy.
The Owls have bid £1.5m for his signature but the Dutch outfit are holding out for £2m.
Heracles director Nico-Jan Hoogma said: ”Even though our valuations do not yet match, we want to find a solution.
“Joey binds people and he has done a fantastic job for us over the last three-and-a-half years.
“But he sees this as a unique opportunity, something he absolutely wants. We give him this, and that’s what we have to deal with.”
Aston Villa are favourites to sign Leicester striker Leonardo Ulloa
Fulham and Norwich eye Ghana international
08:15: Fulham and Norwich have enquired about Aalesund winger Edwin Gyasi, according to the Daily Mail.
Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland are also interested.
The Black Cats’ hopes of landing Gyasi on loan are likely to fall flat
Aston Villa to miss out on Samuel Bastien
07:45: Aston Villa are set to miss out on Chievo Verona midfielder Samuel Bastien, according to the Daily Mirror.
The Championship promotion hopefuls have been linked with a move for the Belgium Under-21 international but he looks set to join Premier League outfit Huddersfield for £2.5m deal.
Bournemouth also fancied Bastien.
Leeds have agreed a deal with Middlesbrough for Adam Forshaw
Liverpool make Ben Woodburn decision
07:15: Liverpool have blocked Ben Woodburn’s loan move to Sunderland, according to The Sun.
Jurgen Klopp is refusing to let the 18-year-old forward head to the Stadium of Light for the rest of the season.
Chris Coleman had hoped to land Woodburn but Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona has left Liverpool light in attacking areas.
Adam Forshaw to Leeds
06:45: Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Forshaw is due to undergo a medical today ahead of a transfer to Leeds.
A fee in excess of £2m has been agreed between the two Championship clubs for the 26-year-old.
Leeds hope to complete the deal in time for him to face Millwall on Saturday (3pm).
Forshaw will become Leeds’ fifth signing of the January transfer window.