The final line-up for the 2022/23 EFL Championship will be finalised this weekend as Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest meet in the play-off final at Wembley.
While those two teams are still aiming to be playing in the Premier League this season, other clubs across the division have already begun their transfer business.
Preston North End are planning to get the ball rolling on their summer business over the next week having identified their top targets while a Blackpool keeper’s planned move to Everton appears to have stalled.
Sheffield United are monitoring the situation of a Liverpool defender who spent last season on loan at Bramall Lane while a former Blades’ midfielder is reportedly wanted by Luton Town.
Elsewhere, Fulham are lining up a bid for a Manchester United midfielder while Bournemouth could swoop to sign a Spurs defender if his £6m move to Celtic does not go through.
Meanwhile, both the Cottagers and the Cherries are keen on a Blackburn Rovers midfielder who is also wanted by several other Championship sides as well as Rangers.
Finally, Manchester United are joined by Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in all reportedly showing interest in a Derby County starlet and the Eagles could also be about to rival Spurs for the signing of West Brom’s england international keeper who is about to become a free agent.
Here are the transfer news stories making the headlines on Friday morning:
5. Palace enter race to sign Johnstone
Sam Johnstone is prioritising securing a No.1 role in a bid to boost his England prospects as Crystal Palace emerge as contenders for his signature (Daily Mail) | Getty Images
6. PNE set to get ball rolling on transfer business
Preston North End have their top transfer targets narrowed down to two or three and it is hoped deals for two of three of them could be struck by early June (Lancashire Evening Post) | Getty Images
7. Maxwell’s Everton move stalls
Blackpool captain Chris Maxwell has seen a move to the Premier League with Everton stall with the back-up goalkeeper situation at Goodison Park currently uncertain (Lancashire Live) | Getty Images
8. Hatters could return for Freeman
Luton Town could reignite their interest in Luke Freeman this summer having been linked with the midfielder back in January before the midfielder joined Millwall (Darren Witcoop) | Getty Images