Sheffield United's Championship rivals 'holding out' for £25m fee as Blackburn 'target' defender
All the very latest transfer rumours from the Championship ahead of the summer transfer window opening on June 15.
The summer transfer window will officially open for business on Monday, meaning Sheffield United will soon be free to start strengthening their squad.
Blades manager Chris Wilder is planning to inject experience and Championship pedigree into his team this summer after they finished an underwhelming 13th in the second tier in 2025/26.
With an expanded play-off system coming into force next term, United will be hoping to take full advantage of that boost and attempt to return to the Premier League at the third time of asking after relegation in 2024. However, tightening financial restrictions means they will have to box clever with their recruitment this summer.
With the start of the transfer window now just days away, Championship clubs are busy putting the finishing touches to their pre-window preparations. With that said, here are some of the latest headlines concerning United’s second tier counterparts...
Everton ‘in talks’ for Boro star
Premier League outfit Everton ‘remain in talks’ with Middlesbrough over a deal for talented midfielder Hayden Hackney, according to a report by GiveMeSport. The Boro academy graduate is widely expected to leave the Riverside this summer after they fell short of sealing promotion to the Premier League in last month’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Hackney, 23, was crowned the Championship Player of the Season for 2025/26 in April and is one of the brightest talents outside the Premier League. He is about to enter the final year of his contract on Teesside and a sale is expected this summer.
It is reported that Everton have already had ‘two bids rejected’ for the midfielder, who scored five Championship goals in the most recent campaign. Middlesbrough are said to be ‘holding out’ for £25million.
Everton are currently described as the ‘frontrunners’ in the race to sign Hackney, but it is reported that Crystal Palace, who have also been strongly linked with him recently, are ‘expected to make an offer in the coming days’.
Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with his signature in recent weeks.
Rovers draw up Alebiosu succession plan
According to a report by AfricaFoot, Blackburn Rovers have added Montpellier right-back Enzo Tchato to their ‘shortlist’ ahead of this summer’s transfer window. Rovers could very well be on the hunt for a new starting right-back this summer amid anticipated interest in Ryan Alebiosu.
The Nigerian international joined Rovers from Belgian club KV Kortrijk last July and excelled in his debut season at Ewood Park, earning plenty of plaudits. He was a real bright spark in what was otherwise a difficult campaign for the Lancashire outfit.
Renowned for his athleticism and attacking threat from right-back, the 24-year-old contributed one goal and five assists in 39 Championship appearances. As a result, Rovers are reportedly braced for a wave of interest to come their way. West Ham United, who were recently relegated from the Premier League, were credited with interest in Alebiosu recently.
Amid the prospect of losing him this summer, Rovers have reportedly identified Tchato as a potential successor. The Cameroonian international was a regular fixture for Montpellier in Ligue 2 in 2025/26, making 29 league appearances. The 23-year-old is a product of their academy.