As the January transfer window hurtles towards its dramatic Monday deadline, Championship clubs are engaged in a frantic flurry of activity, with Birmingham City's rivals making significant moves in the market. Blues have already made a substantial impact this month, but the competition is heating up across the division.
Ipswich Stand Firm Against Derby's Advances
Derby County have seen an initial approach for Ipswich Town forward Sammie Szmodics rebuffed, according to widespread reports. The Rams, led by head coach John Eustace, are keen to reunite with the striker, who previously played under him at Blackburn Rovers before his £9 million move to Portman Road.
Szmodics has featured in 18 matches for Ipswich this season, scoring once while also being deployed on the left wing by manager Kieran McKenna. Sky Sports suggests Derby are now deliberating whether to return with an improved offer for the forward as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
Ipswich's Search for Firepower Continues
Meanwhile, Ipswich themselves are reportedly considering a move for striker Sam Surridge as they aim to secure an automatic promotion spot. Despite already securing the signature of Bristol City's top scorer Anis Mehmeti, McKenna is said to desire a traditional line-leader.
The East Anglian Daily Times indicates that Premier League clubs Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United, both battling relegation, are also showing interest in Surridge, creating potential competition for the Tractor Boys.
Birmingham and Coventry Linked with Brentford Midfielder
Birmingham City and local rivals Coventry City continue to be associated with a move for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka. The experienced Nigerian international, who boasts 75 Premier League and 31 Bundesliga appearances, was notably omitted from the Bees' squad against Nottingham Forest recently.
Reports from Allnigeriasoccer.com suggest this could indicate an impending transfer, with Coventry potentially pursuing an initial loan deal. Other clubs including Valencia and Sheffield United have also been linked with the player, while Sky Sports reports that Frank Lampard's side are currently leading the race for his signature.
Blues have already strengthened their central midfield this window with the loan acquisition of Jhon Solis from Girona, adding to a department that includes Paik Seung-ho, Tommy Doyle, and Tomoki Iwata.
Coventry Complete Permanent Signing
Coventry City have secured their first permanent senior signing of the January window, bringing in right winger Jahnoah Markelo from Swiss Super League club FC Zurich for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £4.3 million. The 23-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at the CBS Arena.
This follows the arrivals of fellow wide players Romain Esse from Crystal Palace and Min-Hyeok Yang from Tottenham, providing manager Frank Lampard with considerable options on the right flank as Markelo competes with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Esse for playing time.
Wrexham's High-Profile Signing Set for Exit
In a surprising development, Wrexham defender Conor Coady appears destined to leave the club just six months after his £2 million arrival from Leicester City. The former England international's move to the Red Dragons in August was seen as an ambitious statement from the newly-promoted side, but he has managed only six appearances.
The Mirror reports the centre-back is now likely to depart, with Sky Sports indicating that discussions are ongoing regarding how much of Coady's salary any new club would need to cover, potentially involving a fifty-fifty compromise arrangement.
Other Championship Transfer Rumours
Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly rejected a Championship bid for midfielder Svante Ingelsson, according to the Sheffield Star. The Swedish player, who has also attracted interest from Portsmouth, remains under contract until 2027 if the Owls activate a one-year extension option.
The same publication suggests Derby County are among the clubs monitoring Ingelsson's situation, while also noting that Wednesday captain Barry Bannan is set to join Millwall, with the Lions also showing interest in striker Bailey Cadamarteri.
Elsewhere, former Arsenal defender Brooke Norton-Cuffey, now at Genoa, could be on the move this month according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 22-year-old full-back, who has made over 80 Championship appearances during loan spells at Rotherham, Coventry, and Millwall, has reportedly attracted interest from Everton, another Premier League club, and several Serie A teams.
Finally, Honduran outlet Diez claims West Bromwich Albion have shown interest in midfielder Joseph Rosales. New Baggies head coach Eric Ramsay is familiar with the 25-year-old from their time together at MLS side Minnesota United, with the publication describing Rosales as "a key player on a team known for its effectiveness on set pieces."
