Championship gossip: Leicester City ready to bid for Aston Villa star; Leeds United set to miss out on target
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The transfer window is well underway and it is set to be a busy summer as clubs look to finalise their squads before it closes on the 9 of August.
Here is the latest transfer news and gossip from the Championship.
Lampard confirmed as Derby boss
Frank Lampard has taken his first steps into management, after being officially announced as the new Derby County manager. The former Chelsea midfielder admitted he was in advanced talks with the club last week during BT’s coverage of the Champions League Final.
The Rams were on the hunt for a new manager after Gary Rowett left the club to take over at Stoke earlier in the month, and Lampard was one of 20 applicants for the job before being revealed earlier today.
Speaking to RamsTV he said he was looking forward to working at such a historic club. “I’m delighted to be here. It’s a huge club with tradition and the fanbase.
“I know it well – I grew up with stories of Derby and what they did in the ‘70s.”
Grealish priced at £40m
Aston Villa have stuck a huge £40m price tag on 22-year-old playmaker Jack Grealish.
The play-off final defeat to Fulham has fuelled speculation that he may be leaving Villa Park this summer as Premier League clubs consider moving for the youngster.
Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly been monitoring him, but now Leicester City have joined the race and are considering meeting the club’s £40m valuation.
The midfielder has two years remaining on his current contract and the club want to keep him, but are resigned to the fact that it may be impossible as the top clubs make their move.
Riyadh Mahrez is on the cusp of joining Manchester City for £60m and it is understood the Foxes are willing to use the funds from that sale to lure Grealish to the King Power as a direct replacement for the Algerian.
Jack Grealish of Aston Villa battles for the ball with Korey Smith of Bristol City
Redknapp suggests Terry move
Harry Redknapp has suggested that nephew and newly-appointed Rams manager Frank Lampard should sign former teammate John Terry. Terry is a free agent after leaving Aston Villa and is searching for another club after not yet announcing his retirement.
Speaking to TalkSport, the former Portsmouth and Tottenham manager said: “John Terry… what a signing he’d be!
“I would still take him for another year; he’s a great professional and great around the place. That would be an interesting one.”
Elphick close to Villa Park exit
Tommy Elphick is close to sealing a permanent deal to Reading after moving on loan there last season, as reported by the Reading Chronicle. A knee injury kept the defender out for the majority of that spell, but still managed to impress Royals boss Paul Clement, who is looking to bring him back to the Madejski.
Villa are looking to cut their astronomical wage bill as they run the risk of breaching financial fair play regulations, and Elphick could be sold to reduce this. He is out of favour with Steve Bruce and is likely to be heading for the exit after failing to maintain a place in the squad last season.
Leeds target set to sign new contract
Newcastle are currently undergoing talks with Karl Darlow to extend his contract at the club.
The 27-year-old was linked with a move to Leeds United but the Chronicle are reporting that he is willing to fight for his place at St James’ Park.
The club have recently signed Martin Dubravka, and it is understood that he will be the number one next season, but Darlow believes he is a Premier League player as he targets a call up to Ryan Giggs’ Wales squad.
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