Birmingham City to let Swansea City misfit go, Leeds United make 'concrete steps' over transfer and Aston Villa striker told who to sign for - Championship rumours

The winger looks set to become a free agent this summer

Here is the latest transfer gossip from the Championship

Birmingham set to let go of Montero

Birmingham City have confirmed that they will not be seeking to extend the loan of Swansea City winger Jefferson Montero.

Montero's loan at St Andrew's is set to run out on June 30, and he's also in the last year of his current deal at the Liberty Stadium.

The 30-year-old, who now looks destined to become a free agent this summer, joined the Blues last summer, making 18 appearances in all competitions for Pep Clotet’s side.

The club has also announced that goalkeeper David Stockdale and defender Cheick Keita will both depart the club on free transfers this summer.

Leeds prepare striker swoop

Leeds United are preparing to make a move for Galatasaray striker Mbaye Diagne in the coming days, according to Turkish outlet Haberturk.

The 28-year-old is attracting significant attention from England, with Nottingham Forest and Watford both attributed with an interest in his services.

However, it is suggested that Leeds are looking to steal a march on their rivals in the market with an approach for the forward in the coming days - which are described as being ‘concrete steps’.

Diagne has spent the majority of the 2019/20 season on loan with Belgian outfit Club Brugge, registering four goals in six league appearances.

Interest in Forest midfielder confirmed

A number of clubs in League One and League Two are expressing an interest in Nottingham Forest midfielder Jake Taylor, his agent has told Stoke Live.

The 21-year-old impressed on loan with Port Vale and his agent, Phil Sproson, has said the midfielder will return to Forest where Sabri Lamouchi will assess him before making a decision on his future.

“The feeling at Forest is that, because of the goals Jake has scored, the manager has already said that he wants to have a look at him in pre season. Until the manager has had a look at him over a little period, he won’t be going anywhere,” he said.

“But certainly Vale have looked after him really well and that has been recognised. The way they handled his car situation was exemplary. Also, Jake has a really strong rapport with John Askey, and the lads and the fans. He likes the club.”

Hogan encouraged to make Birmingham move permanent

Former Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has advised Scott Hogan to make his loan stint with Birmingham City into a permanent deal.

The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating last couple of years at Villa Park but has rekindled his career with the Blues, scoring seven goals in nine games, and Bent believes he should explore a permanent switch.

“Obviously he’s had a couple of stints elsewhere where it hasn’t worked for him but I’m a firm believer that when you get a scenario – obviously a couple of times I moved – but when you’re a striker and you’re scoring goals somewhere, stay there, just stay there,” he told Football Insider.

“While he’s at Birmingham right now, the fans love him – it’s like they’ve completely forgotten he’s from Villa. He’s enjoying playing there, he’s scoring goals, he’s happy and in a good place – don’t jeopardise that to go somewhere else. It could call fall apart. While you’re there, scoring goals and your confidence is really high, stay there, ride it out as long as you can.”

Huddersfield star ignoring speculation

Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brian has stated he is ignoring transfer speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.

Sheffield United have been attributed with an interest in the 21-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year with the Terriers, but he is focused on continuing to build upon the foundations he has established at the club.

"I don't tend to look or read gossip and things like that. It tends to be that if you are a young lad that is in the team and playing well then you get linked with everything but I don't take much notice,” he told Yorkshire Live.

"I think since Danny and Nicky have come in I have improved the most as a footballer. They are meticulous with everything they do and really into analytics and things like that. I'd like to be able to carry on where I left off this season and get back to action as I think me learning from them both is the best way forward for me."