Today’s Football Transfer News looks at the latest news and rumours from the Championship. Including, Patrick Bamford who is interesting Leeds United. FTN, brought to you by Last Word on Football, also looks at the Aston Villa defender deciding on his future.
Championship Transfer News
Kasey Palmer to Blackburn?
Chelsea midfielder Kasey Palmer is close to joining Blackburn Rovers on loan. The 21-year-old is expected to join on a one-year deal. Palmer had been linked with a return to Derby County, where he spent the second half of last season. However, he is expected to play at Ewood Park instead of Pride Park next season.
The young midfielder has experienced success in the Championship previously. During the 2016/17 season he was part of the Huddersfield Town team that won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. He scored twice in 15 appearances for the Rams last season. New County boss Frank Lampard had been linked; however, he has turned his attentions elsewhere.
Leeds Eye Two Strikers
Leeds United are reportedly looking at two new strikers. United boss Marcelo Bielsa wants at least one new striker before the season begins. The players he is looking at are believed to be Matej Vydra and Patrick Bamford. 26-year-old Vydra is valued at £11 million by Derby County but is available for transfer. Rams boss Frank Lampard is keen to raise funds to help build his squad. The forward scored 22 goals last season and was given the player of the year award. Issues with Vydra’s personal terms appeared to be a sticking point for the transfer; however, these have seemingly been solved.
Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford is also interesting Bielsa. Boro do not need to sell and wish to keep the player. Therefore, any offer Leeds make would need to be a tempting one. The 24-year-old scored a hat-trick in March against United which has not been forgotten. Boro have reportedly set an asking price of £16 million for Bamford. Whether this scares off Leeds remains to be seen.
Chester to Stay at Villa?
Aston Villa defender James Chester, who has been the subject of a move, is now likely to stay at Villa Park. The centre-half was likely to leave this summer due to Villa’s financial difficulties; however, now that there are new owners, he could be about to commit to the club.
Chester had been chased by Stoke City for most of this summer but a deal was never agreed. A fee of around £8 million had been reported but now Villa have no need to sell if they do not wish to. The defender is believed to be pleased with the backing his manager Steve Bruce has received lately.
Ben Gibson to Leicester?
Should Leicester City lose defender Harry Maguire to Manchester United this summer then a Championship defender could be his replacement. Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson is reportedly on the Foxes’ wishlist should the England defender depart.
Boro value Gibson at around £12 million. If Leicester do sell Maguire then they will gain a huge profit on a player they signed just last June for £17 million. Gibson’s price tag, therefore, even if it is higher than reported, would not put City off.
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