Championship's Most Wanted

Article by e-Sports Net's Jon Vine

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This week marks the beginning of one of the most exciting and frightening times for football fans across the world, as the transfer window has officially opened.

Fans will be hoping that their teams can not only bring in some good quality players to bolster their squads, but also keep hold of their top talent.

Premier League managers will have been scouring the globe for suitable buys since the end of last season, but this space between the window officially opening and the start of pre-season, will see the amount of transfers reach its highest level, until transfer deadline day of course.

The newly promoted clubs will want to add some quality to their squads, in the hope of staying up. As will some already established top flight teams, who know they could be threatened by the perils of relegation next season.

But I don’t think bringing in players from across Europe is the answer. The Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with plenty of strong teams and a vast array of good players.

There were a few who caught the eye last season, who look ready to step their game up another level and deserve their chance in the Premier League. So let’s take a look at the top five contenders for a top flight move.

Ross McCormack

McCormack has long been touted as a star for the future, but never really stood out during his long spell in the Championship. However, performance’s last season with Leeds showed that the 27 year old is now living up to that billing.

Whether playing out wide or through the middle, his direct dribbling and power made him a nightmare to defend against. He is dangerous from set pieces and very composed in front of goal, which resulted in him finishing as the top scorer in the division with 28 goals.

The opening of the transfer window has coincided with the Scotsman handing in a transfer request, and if rumours are to be believed, then he will definitely not be short of offers.

Who should sign him? – Sunderland

If Gus Poyet cannot re-sign Fabio Borini, then maybe he will look to McCormack to give his team the same flair and quality the Italian gave him in the final third.

Grant Hanley

Just like his Scotland teammate McCormack, Hanley put in a number of standout performances last season, despite being at the heart of a pretty leaky Blackburn defence.

His physical presence and leadership skills, combined with his defensive ability and positional awareness, prompted Gary Bowyer to appoint Hanley as the permanent club captain, despite his relatively young age of 22.

He was subject to a bid from Manchester United a few seasons ago, and if he continues to develop like he has done, then a move to the Premiership will not be too far around the corner.

Who should sign him? – QPR

Although Richard Dunne played well during the last campaign, he is coming towards the end of his career. Hanley would be the perfect like-for-like replacement.

Troy Deeney

After a sketchy start to his footballing career, which included a spell behind bars, Troy Deeney has transformed himself into one of the most feared strikers in the Championship.

Watford have been utilising his strength, pace and power to great effect, using him to spearhead their possession based, attacking formation, resulting in the striker scoring 43 goals over the last two seasons.

With goals being vital to Premier League survival, it’s only a matter of time before someone brings Troy to the top flight.

Who should sign him? – West Brom.

The Baggies really missed the physical void left by Romelu Lukaku last season. Deeney would certainly fill that. And as he was born in the West Midlands, he may jump at the chance to move back home.

Jordan Rhodes

If goals are what you’re searching for, then look no further than Jordan Rhodes.

Since leaving Ipswich at the age of 19, he has shown his ability to be a natural born goal scorer. He is strong, quick and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Over the past three years, Rhodes has scored 89 goals in 131 games, a prolific ratio that any striker would be proud of having. Understandably, Blackburn have been very reluctant to sell Rhodes in the past, valuing the striker at over £10 Million, but if a big bid comes in, then maybe they will be forced to sell their prized asset

Who should sign him? – Everton

If they cannot sign Lukaku permanently, Everton will be on the lookout for a new striker. Rhodes deserves a chance in the Premier League, maybe Martinez will be the man to give it to him.

Adam Clayton

It wasn’t just Adam Clayton’s colourful beard that was causing headlines last season.

The former Manchester City and Leeds man became an integral figure in the middle of the Huddersfield midfield last season.

Technically he is very sound and equally adept at delivering a defence splitting pass, or a thunderous long ranged effort, of either his left or right foot.

He is dynamic, full of running and isn’t afraid to get stuck into a tackle or two. If he can build on the success of last season, for which he was named Huddersfield’s’ player of the year, then surely a move to the Premier League will come, sooner rather than later.

Who should sign him? – Aston Villa Villa

have struggled to break teams down, especially at home. Clayton’s creative ability and tenacity would see him fit perfectly into Villa’s midfield three.

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