Championship Transfer Round Up

With the Championship season a distant memory and fans now turning their attention to the new campaign rather than reflecting upon the old, the transfer market is gathering steam.

After his controversial move across the city, newly instated Villa boss Alex McCleish has warned his former employers he will not hold back from raiding their squad. Early reports suggest the Scot has set his sights on Blues defender Scott Dann, while lining up a bid for Ben Foster to fill the Villains vacant spot between the posts.

Among the other relegated clubs, West Ham have outlined their intentions of an immediate return with the signing of Kevin Nolan for a fee in the region of £3 million. The player, who will team up with former boss Sam Allardyce, was disappointed in Newcastle’s lack of desire to hold onto him. “The be all and end all is that West Ham wanted me and the owners put faith in me,” he said after putting pen to paper.

Leicester City are among a group of clubs seeking to land Bristol City forward Nicky Maynard. The Robins revealed on Monday they had rejected a bid from Leicester for the elusive attacker and are seeking to tie up a long term deal themselves.

The Foxes are also on the brink of signing shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel from Leeds. The Lilywhites have accepted a £1 million offer for the Dane, who has revealed his astonishment after being informed he was still part of the club’s plans. The 24-year-old said: “At the end of the season Leeds United and I both made a commitment to honour the last year of my contract and try to win promotion with Leeds United.”

The hype that has surrounded a possible return to Elland Road for old-boy Alan Smith could be about to escalate. In a triple pounce to secure the services of former players, the club have revealed a desire to bring back Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate, who are also available on free transfers.

Watford have announced the arrival of Midfielder Craig Forsyth from Dundee. Although initial interest came from former boss Malky Mackay, Forsyth teams up with new Hornets boss Sean Dyche who took over the reins at Vicarage Road on Tuesday. Watford fought off competition from several clubs for the youngster, including fellow Championship sides Burnley and Crystal Palace.

On a busy day at Watford, out-of-favour striker Nathan Ellington has teamed up with former boss Paul Jewell at Ipswich Town. Jewell, who boasts a strong assembly of forwards, suggested Ellington will still have to fight for a first team spot. “He has shown he can score goals at this level and will add to the competition for places within the squad.”

With Michael Chopra and Ellington both arriving at Portman Road, Jason Scotland may become surplus to requirements. The forward who signed last summer from Premier League Wigan – could be off to Brighton, who are rumoured to be lining up a bid.

Middlesbrough are in a desperate fight to hold on to some of their top players. Tony Mowbray, who has instilled a new sense of belief at the Teeside club, believes his side could mount a promotion push if vital players stay. Cardiff appear the front-runners in a bid to capture Andrew Taylor, the out-of-contract defender has only been offered reduced terms at The Riverside.

Leroy Lita could also follow Taylor out of the door at Boro, Swansea City have had a bid rejected for the striker but maintain a desire to secure his services. An original bid, believed to be below £1 million pounds, is way below Chairman Steve Gibson’s valuation of the player.

The Transfer Window continues…

Tom Dutton