Five players to cherry-pick from the Championship this transfer window
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There hasn’t been much movement in the Championship yet since the season finished, though it is a great place to scour for quality, cheaper alternatives. There are a number of clubs in the Premier League that operate with limited budgets, so Coral have come up with five players who can make a difference.
Will Hughes
Arguably one of Derby County’s best players, the midfielder may look elsewhere now that Steve McClaren is no longer in charge of the club who are 13/2 favourites with Coral to win the Championship next term. Following him to Newcastle United is one option, and he has all the attributes to succeed, though there could well be a plethora of interested parties.
Jordan Rhodes
Whoever fails to land Charlie Austin from QPR could go for the Blackburn Rovers hitman. Likely to be cheaper, Rhodes is a natural goalscorer and could be a canny signing.
Southampton could well turn their attentions to the Scotland striker, while Roberto Martinez may convince him to make the short move to Everton should Romelu Lukaku leave, where he would link up with international teammate Steven Naismith attack.
Michail Antonio
Nottingham Forest’s 25-year-old winger produced 14 goals and assists apiece last term and was courted by West Bromwich Albion in January, who may return for his services this summer, with Baggies boss Tony Pulis a fan of old-fashioned widemen.
While they had a £1.5m bid turned down, they could potentially secure his services if they doubled this offer.
Jota
Brentford’s Spanish attacker is clearly a talent and would be a great signing for a team in the bottom half of the Premier League, or new boys Bournemouth. The 24-year-old scored 11 goals last term in his side’s promotion push and played was an integral part.
Sam Byram
Long-linked with a move to the Premier League, Leeds United’s versatile star Byram, who can play anywhere down the right, or even in midfield, may jump at the chance to further his career. Should Nathaniel Clyne leave Southampton, he would have been an ideal replacement for him, though the Saints brought in Cedric Soares.
However, if an offer comes in for Everton’s Seamus Coleman, Byram can slot straight into the Toffees team comfortably.
