With the transfer window set to close for the final time this season on Thursday, a number of clubs in the Sky Bet Championship are set to try and bring in players.
A number of teams still hold hope of lifting the title in May, while the race for the play-offs and the battle for survival are set to go right down to the wire. That highlights just how crucial this window is set to be.
With an often inflated price tag on every player, deals can prove difficult to do at this time of year. With the potential riches of the Premier League though, some teams will be open to spending that little bit extra if it does help to get them over the line.
Here, Tom Carnduff looks at every signing made by Championship clubs this month and which areas they will be looking to strengthen in before the deadline.
Leeds United
Promotion odds: 1/4
Ins:
- Kiko Casilla (Real Madrid)
- Mateusz Bogusz (Ruch Chorzow)
Outs:
- Will Huffer (Barnet) - Loan
- Paudie O'Connor (Bradford) - Loan
- Conor Shaughnessy (Hearts) - Loan
- Samuel Saiz (Getafe)
- Hadi Sacko (Ankaragucu) - Loan
Need:
Another winger and a number ten to replace Samuel Saiz following his departure to Getafe. Leeds have reportedly submitted a bid for Swansea winger Daniel James and seem fairly confident of sorting a deal before the deadline. Once that is done, they may chase other targets in the attacking midfield area, more than likely on loan.
Talking point:
Must keep Jack Clarke - the talented winger has announced himself in a big way with a number of impressive performances following the first-team step-up this season. Reported interest from Tottenham but Leeds have insisted that he is not for sale.
Norwich City
Promotion odds: 8/11
Ins:
- Akin Famewo (Luton)
Outs:
- Nelson Oliveira (Reading) - Loan
- Ben Marshall (Millwall) - Loan
- Matt Jarvis (Walsall) - Loan
Need:
Similar to Leeds, Norwich's strong position in the standings means that they don't have to do too much business before the deadline. A winger or a full-back could be a wise addition though to create more competition in those areas. Injuries to first-team players have also contributed to the Canaries potentially looking for at least one new face this month in order to sustain that promotion push.
Talking point:
Don't disrupt the feel-good factor - Norwich have a really good thing going at the moment with a squad of players that clearly play for each other. While an addition will be welcome to help with the current injury situation, it's important that they are the right person more than anything to ensure it doesn't upset the harmony within the group.
Sheffield United
Promotion odds: 10/11
Ins:
- Ollie Norwood (Brighton)
- Gary Madine (Cardiff) - Loan
- Kieran Dowell (Everton) - Loan
Outs:
- Ryan Leonard (Millwall)
- Harvey Gilmour (Tranmere)
- Lee Evans (Wigan)
- Danny Lafferty (Peterborough) - Loan
- Nathan Thomas (Carlisle) - Loan
Need:
Chris Wilder has done well in securing early deals to improve the attacking end of his team. Gary Madine gives them a different option up front while Kieran Dowell brings creativity in the advanced midfield area. While they do play with wing-backs, a winger may be worth a consideration with Ben Woodburn's loan spell coming to an end after just a handful of appearances.
Talking point:
Shouldn't sell John Fleck - reports emerged on Monday stating that West Ham were in discussions with the Blades over a £4m move for the midfielder. He's a key part of this Sheffield United side and would be a difficult one to replace, especially in the latter stages of the window. Given the price he is reportedly going for, it would be a bad move at this point in the season.
West Brom
Promotion odds: 5/4
Ins:
- Mason Holgate (Everton) - Loan
Outs:
- Bakary Sako (Crystal Palace)
- Oliver Burke (Celtic) - Loan
- Harvey Barnes (Leicester) - Recalled
Need:
Harvey Barnes' recall by Leicester was a huge blow to the Baggies' promotion aspirations. The youngster made a significant impact in the first-half of the season and was a key part of their attack. Replacing him is the absolute priority before the window slams shut - Newcastle's Jacob Murphy is reported to be a top target. There's a lot of pressure on Jay Rodriguez and Dwight Gayle for goals, and while they have been scoring, another striker would be welcome to continue to push the starting duo.
Talking point:
Kamara wouldn't be a sensible signing - Darren Moore has been linked with a move for the Fulham forward, who was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and criminal damage after a fight at the Cottagers' training ground recently. Prior to that, he had a falling out with Aleksandar Mitrovic on the pitch over who would take a penalty. He doesn't seem the right character to bring into a squad aiming for a return to the Premier League.
Middlesbrough
Promotion odds: 7/2
Ins:
- George Saville (Millwall)
- John Obi Mikel (TJ Teda)
- Rajiv Van La Parra (Huddersfield) - Loan
Outs:
- Martin Braithwaite (Leganes) - Loan
- Connor Ripley (Preston)
- Danny Batth (Wolves) - recalled
Need:
Given their dependence on a strong defence, a new centre-back would be welcome after Danny Batth was recalled by Wolves for a permanent move to Stoke. If not a centre-back, a full-back could come in which would move Dael Fry to a more permanent central role. A new striker could also be a wise investment from Tony Pulis to add competition.
Talking point:
New defender needed now Batth is gone - while he may not have been first choice, Batth's departure could create a shortage for a side who have played five at the back in the past. In that case, Daniel Ayala, Aden Flint and Fry would likely be the preferred trio but another would have to come in to cover injuries or suspensions.
Derby County
Promotion odds: 7/2
Ins:
- Ashley Cole (free agent)
Outs:
- Max Lowe (Aberdeen) - Loan
- George Thorne (Luton) - Loan
- Alex Pearce (Millwall) - Loan
- Kyle McAllister (St. Mirren) - Loan
Need:
Centre-back is an area that Derby have likely identified prior to the deadline. Richard Keogh and Fikayo Tomori are the only out-and-out central defenders available, with others having to adapt if required. It's a risky plan going forward, especially for a team in the promotion hunt, if they chose not to bring someone in for the remainder of the season.
Talking point:
Is Ashley Cole really needed? - Lampard's former team-mate at Chelsea has joined until the end of the season. However, with three other left-backs in the squad and one out on-loan, it isn't exactly an area they were light in. With just two fit senior centre-backs available, the emphasis should have probably been on bringing in someone there.
Bristol City
Promotion odds: 10/1
Ins:
- Kasey Palmer (Chelsea) - Loan
Outs:
- Shawn McCoulsky (Forest Green)
- Rory Holden (Rochdale) - Loan
Need:
A striker. Famara Diedhiou is a solid option up front but a physical forward would provide Lee Johnson with an alternative option. Scott Hogan has reportedly been made available for loan by Aston Villa and he could be a name that interests the City hierarchy.
Talking point:
Strong form changes market approach - Bristol City's form has seen them thrown firmly into the promotion race. Thirteen points in their last five games currently sees them just two points off the play-offs, and it is suddenly all the more important to add real quality with an opportunity for promotion to the top-flight.
Blackburn Rovers
Promotion odds: 25/1
Ins:
- Brad Lyons (Coleraine)
- Ben Brereton (Nottingham Forest)
Outs:
- Paul Downing (Doncaster) - Loan
- Scott Wharton (Bury) - Loan
- Sam Hart (Southend) - Loan
- Brad Lyons (St. Mirren) - Loan
- Kasey Palmer (Chelsea) - End of loan
Need:
A new winger or forward to replace Kasey Palmer, who has left for a loan spell at Bristol City. Rovers have decent options in other areas on the pitch and the reported incoming permanent signing of former loanee Harry Chapman will add to the numbers up front. However, they would still look strong even if there weren't any further additions.
Talking point
Dack has to stay - a talented player who is always seemingly the subject of interest, Bradley Dack is an influential part of this Rovers side and one of the key reasons as to why they are near the Championship's top-six. It's unlikely that he will leave, but who knows what can happen on deadline day when Premier League clubs start to panic.
Nottingham Forest
Promotion odds: 22/1
Ins:
- Yohan Benalouane (Leicester)
- Karim Ansarifard (free agent)
Outs:
- Jordan Smith (Mansfield) - Loan
- Stephen Henderson (Wycombe) - Loan
- Gboly Ariyibi (Motherwell) - Loan
- Ben Brereton (Blackburn)
- Anel Ahmedhodzic (Malmo) - Loan
- Danny Fox (Wigan)
Need:
Cover in defence would be welcome with Danny Fox departing for Wigan and the defensive line having to be shuffled a bit at times. Strengthening in any areas wouldn't be a huge surprise with their recent managerial change - defence being the key to swell the numbers slightly.
Talking point:
O'Neill's arrival could bring signings - a managerial change in a transfer window always creates questions about new signings. With O'Neill joining in the second-half of January, the clock is ticking for him to bring in players that he wants in order to get Forest's promotion push back on track.
Aston Villa
Promotion odds: 10/1
Ins:
- Lovre Kalinic (Gent)
- Kortney Hause (Wolves) - Loan
Outs:
- Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (Cambridge) - Loan
- Ross McCormack (Motherwell) - Loan
- Callum O’Hare (Carlisle) - Loan
Need:
A new centre-back seems the most likely outcome if Villa are to make any additions before Thursday's deadline. Dean Smith unsuccessfully tried to hijack Bournemouth's deal for Brentford's Chris Mepham and previously-linked Harold Moukoudi is set to join Bordeaux. Even with Kortney Hause arriving on-loan, the defence could do with more numbers.
Talking point:
Balance out the squad - Villa are looking to balance the numbers within their squad following big-money moves in the past couple of seasons. They still have four first-team strikers available even after loan moves, so more emphasis on defensive recruits and an out-and-out attacking midfielder to compete with Jack Grealish, and to fill in while he is out injured, would represent steps in the right direction.
Swansea City
Promotion odds: 25/1
Ins:
Outs:
Need:
A difficult one given the fact that they need to balance the books a bit following relegation from the Premier League. If a couple of big earners, such as Wilfried Bony, can be moved on then it will give them freedom to do some deals before Thursday.
Talking point:
James transfer is a big one - Leeds are very keen on bringing Daniel James to Elland Road and it sounds like a deal will be done prior to the deadline. Swansea do need to raise funds, but the sale of a talented youngster to another Championship club will raise questions about the direction the club is going in.
Hull City
Promotion odds: 50/1
Ins:
- Marc Pugh (Bournemouth) - Loan
Outs:
- Will Keane (Ipswich) - Loan
Need:
A couple of defenders will be the priority for Nigel Adkins' play-off outsiders with Jordy de Wijs, Ondrej Mazuch and Reece Burke all suffering from injury. Free agent Liam Ridgewell is training with the Tigers but they are on the hunt for others before the deadline. Hull will have competition in the midfield positions as Jackson Irvine returns from the Asian Cup with Australia.
Talking point:
Keep Jarrod Bowen - Hull's star man has been the subject of interest from numerous Premier League clubs up until this point, although nobody has made a serious bid yet. That could all change in the final days, but Bowen is key if Hull are to push up the table and maintain a genuine push for the play-offs.
Birmingham City
Promotion odds: 33/1
Ins:
- Kerim Mrabti (Djurgarden)
Outs:
- Nicolai Brock-Madsen (Horsens)
- Greg Stewart (Aberdeen) - Loan
Need:
A difficult situation with the strict transfer limits placed upon them. It's unlikely that we'll see any players come in for Birmingham - unless others go first.
Talking point:
Adams to go? - Che Adams has been in fantastic form this season with 14 goals in the Championship. Southampton have reportedly seen an £8m bid rejected and other clubs are interested. He is key for the Blues, but the transfer situation may force a sale at some point.
QPR
Promotion odds: 40/1
Ins:
Outs:
- Paul Smyth (Accrington) - Loan
- Idrissa Sylla (Zulte Waregem)
Need:
In a similar situation to Birmingham, QPR are hit with a transfer embargo as part of their punishment for breaking Financial Fair Play rules when they were promoted to the Premier League. It's unlikely we'll see serious incomings for the R's this month.
Talking point:
A quiet end at Loftus Road - it's unlikely that any of their top players will depart this month and we won't be seeing many, if any, new additions. It should be a quiet deadline day for Steve McClaren.
Stoke City
Promotion odds: 40/1
Ins:
- Benik Afobe (Wolves)
- Ryan Woods (Brentford)
- Danny Batth (Wolves)
Outs:
- Ibrahim Afellay (released)
- Ryan Sweeney (Mansfield)
Need:
The Potters have addressed any potential defensive issues with the arrival of Danny Batth from Wolves. Now their attention will turn to improvement at the other end of the pitch with a move for a striker. They have been linked with Burnley's Sam Vokes.
Talking point:
New manager, new faces - a change of manager has seen a change of transfer targets, with double figures set to be spent before the deadline. At least two new faces will add quality to their ranks as they look to try and get back on track for an unlikely promotion.
Preston North End
Relegation odds: 100/1
Ins:
- Jayden Stockley (Exeter)
- Josh Ginnelly (Walsall)
- Connor Ripley (Middlesbrough)
- Brad Potts (Barnsley)
- Joe Rafferty (Rochdale)
Outs:
- Calum Woods (Bradford)
- Ben Pringle (Tranmere) - Loan
- Connor Simpson (Carlisle) - Loan
- Chris Maxwell (Charlton) - Loan
Need:
It's been a seriously impressive transfer window for Preston, who have identified that they needed improvements in a number of departments in order to push themselves away from any relegation trouble. They've looked to League One and League Two and added talent at a good price. Their business is probably done.
Talking point:
Strong window for North End - recruitment has been spot-on for Preston this month and Jayden Stockley looks like he could be a real steal at a price of just £750k. Adding players who have caught the eye in League One gives them quality at a price that is within their budget. They've done their scouting and it should pay off for Alex Neil and his side.
Sheffield Wednesday
Relegation odds: 28/1
Ins:
Outs:
Need:
It's unlikely that we'll see Wednesday doing any business before the deadline given the delicate situation they find themselves in with Financial Fair Play and heavy spending across two failed attempts at reaching the Premier League. Steve Bruce will have to work with what is already there when he takes up the role in early February.
Talking point:
What can Bruce do? - he steps into the role following some time away from football management, and it'll be interesting to see what he can do with a struggling Sheffield Wednesday. Their first aim will be to just stay in the division, but the FFP scenario could make his spell at Hillsborough a slightly tricky one.
Brentford
Relegation odds: 100/1
Ins:
Outs:
- Chris Mepham (Bournemouth)
- Ryan Woods (Stoke)
- Alan Judge (Ipswich)
Need:
A new defender will have to come in to fill the gap left by Chris Mepham's departure to Bournemouth for a eight-figure sum. That said, a new stadium being built could affect any potential action this month.
Talking point:
Will Maupay leave? - the transfer talk surrounding their star striker has gotten a bit quieter as the window has progressed, but his great form in the Championship this season could potentially see a late bid from a club higher up in the football pyramid who are in need of goals. Brentford's model involves selling players at an overvalued price, which could be perfect in this market.
Millwall
Relegation odds: 14/1
Ins:
- Tom Bradshaw (Barnsley)
- Ryan Leonard (Sheffield United)
- Alex Pearce (Derby) - Loan
- Ben Marshall (Norwich) - Loan
Outs:
- George Saville (Middlesbrough)
- James Brown (Lincoln) - Loan
- Jem Karacan (Central Coast)
- Bryon Webster (Scunthorpe)
- Sid Nelson (Tranmere) - Loan
Need:
Neil Harris has been open to bringing in another striker this month and Sheffield United's Leon Clarke is reportedly on their radar. A couple of loan additions have helped to bolster numbers in other positions.
Talking point:
Will Clarke provide the goals? - should the Blades man make the switch to Millwall, the questions will be there as to if he can find his goalscoring form from last season. If he can, Harris' men will be in an incredibly strong position to avoid the drop and potentially progress into the latter stages of the FA Cup.
Wigan Athletic
Relegation odds: 10/1
Ins:
- Anthony Pilkington (Cardiff)
- Lee Evans (Sheffield United)
- Danny Fox (Nottingham Forest)
Outs:
- Max Power (Sunderland)
- Jordan Flores (Dundalk)
Need:
A midfielder would be towards the top of the list, if they can find the right player. Andy King has been linked with a loan move from Leicester to the DW Stadium, although they face competition from a number of Championship clubs. Danny Fox's arrival from Nottingham Forest will also help improve the defence.
Talking point:
Championship quality is key - Danny Fox coming in from Nottingham Forest and a potential arrival of Andy King will give them experience at this level that could help them stay in the division. If Wigan can find that strong home form again then they should stay well clear of the drop.
Rotherham
Relegation odds: 2/5
Ins:
- Matt Crooks (Northampton)
Outs:
- Ben Purrington (Charlton) - Loan
- Reece McGinley (Crusaders) - Loan
Need:
Numbers. Paul Warne could only name six substitutes in their FA Cup game against Manchester City due to injuries and they are still carrying a bit of a problem. Additions would be welcome in any position, although it's unclear how likely this will be.
Talking point:
Quality is there for the Millers - Rotherham have players who can win games and that's shown on more than one occasion this season. The issue is their inability to pick up points on the road and that may cost them their status in this division. Players of Championship quality, who have maybe been in this situation, could separate them from their rivals.
Reading
Relegation odds: 5/6
Ins:
- Emiliano Martinez (Arsenal) - Loan
- Nelson Oliveira (Norwich) - Loan
- Lewis Baker (Chelsea) - Loan
- Matt Miazga (Chelsea) - Loan
- Ovie Ejaria (Liverpool) - Loan
Outs:
- David Edwards (Shrewsbury)
- Pelle Clement (PEC Zwolle)
- Sam Smith (Shrewsbury) - Loan
- Tiago Ilori (Sporting CP)
Need:
They've added in various positions as they look to beat the drop under new boss Jose Gomes. That makes the chance of additions limited but Vito Mannone, David Meyler and Tiago Ilori are all potential departures before 11pm on Thursday.
Talking point:
Loans to save Reading? - five new faces have come in, with a mix of experience and youth making up a new-look Royals squad. It is a short-term solution ahead of a presumed rebuild in the summer, so it remains to be seen if they can keep Reading in the Championship come May.
Bolton Wanderers
Relegation odds: 1/4
Ins:
- Remi Matthews (Norwich)
Outs:
- Christian Doidge (Forest Green) - recalled
Need:
Another side with limited finances, but off-the-field issues are seriously damaging Bolton's chances of survival on it. Christian Doidge has been recalled by Forest Green over unpaid money and it's unlikely that Wanderers will do much this month.
Talking point:
Can Parkinson upset the odds? - if Parkinson does keep Bolton up then he will be a strong contender for manager of the season given the off-field issues at the club. That will affect any opportunity to bring in new recruits.
Ipswich Town
Relegation odds: 1/12
Ins:
- Collin Quaner (Huddersfield) - Loan
- Alan Judge (Brentford)
- Will Keane (Hull) - Loan
- Callum Elder (Leicester) - Loan
- Janoi Donacien (Accrington)
- James Collins (free agent)
- Simon Dawkins (free agent)
Outs:
- Jordan Roberts (Lincoln City) - Loan
- Janoi Donacien (Accrington) - Loan
- Danny Rowe (Lincoln) - Loan
Need:
A busy transfer window has seen a number of faces come into Paul Lambert's Ipswich squad. They've added a mix of youth and experience in a bid to close the gap between themselves and safety. Given their current status, they may be open to a couple of extras coming in if possible.
Talking point:
Too little, too late? - Collin Quaner and Alan Judge are good signings for a team in Ipswich's position while James Collins will provide leadership at the back. The fact is though that they still aren't winning games, and they need to close the gap of seven points between themselves and Rotherham between now and the end of the season.
Podcast
The latest Sky Bet Championship podcast is available with Gareth Jones, Tom Carnduff and former Leeds striker Noel Whelan. Click on the image above to listen!
Odds correct as of 2150 GMT on 28/01/18
