Leeds United skipper 'makes contract decision' as Yorkshire rivals close in on key striker deal

The summer transfer window is beginning to hot up in the Championship with deals going through across the division. Sheffield Wednesday have already secured six new signings to bolster Danny Rohl's ranks, while Sheffield United have just secured their first signing of the summer with Jamie Shackleton joining on a free transfer.

With that in mind, the Star take a look at what's happening elsewhere in the Championship with a round-up of the latest transfer news.

Luton eye Premier League midfielder

Luton Town are in advanced talks to sign former Brentford man Shandon Baptiste following his release by Brentford last week. The Grenada international had been with Brentford since 2020, but he has been released by the Premier League outfit and looks set to return to the Championship.

The Hatters, who are preparing for life back in the second tier, are leading the way to sign him, according to Teamtalk, with the club progressing well in their pursuit of the midfielder. It comes after the club were forced to say farewell to Ross Barkley earlier this week with the former England international joining Aston Villa.

Luton have seen a host of players linked away from Kenilworth Road this summer but Rob Edwards will be keen to keep his squad intact in the hope they can push for promotion back to the top flight.

Leeds United skipper decision

According to Teamtalk, Leeds United have failed to agree a new deal with club captain Liam Cooper. The centre-back is out of contract and while the club were in discussions with the 32-year-old, it now seems as though the Scotland international's 10-year spell at Elland Road looks set to come to an end.

The report claims Cooper has been offered a one-year contract by the Whites, but the player had been hoping for a longer deal and unless something changes he could be set to pursue pastures new. Cooper struggled for involvement last season under Daniel Farke, making just 15 Championship appearances and should he leave the club his decision would leave Leeds looking for a new leader.

Hull City close in on striker

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has revealed the club are on the verge of signing a new striker this summer. The Tigers have announced the permanent addition of Ryan Giles from Luton, but the left-back remains the club's only senior arrival as a number of their key players, such as Jaden Philogene and Jacob Greaves continue to be linked away.

It seems as though the East Yorkshire club are on the verge of making a breakthrough, though, with a deal to sign a striker close to being done.

"We are getting a good striker which we love very much and we are very happy about him," Ilicali told Sky Sports. "Recruitment in football is not easy but of course, we will fight. We finished the league in 7th, which is a big success for us.”