Sheffield United's Championship rivals 'closing in' on left-back as Norwich 'stand firm' on defender
All the very latest Championship transfer rumours as the countdown to the start of the 2026/27 campaign continues.
Sheffield United will continue to step up their pre-season preparations when they take on Rotherham United at the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Blades, who could hand a debut to new signing Matt Doherty, will be targeting a fourth win in five matches when they face Alex Bruce’s side, following Tuesday’s 3-1 triumph over Huddersfield Town at their Shirecliffe training base.
United came from behind against the Terriers to claim victory, securing the win through goals from Tom Cannon, Sam McCallum, and Tahith Chong. The Blades have won three of their first four friendlies this summer, scoring eight goals.
The clash with the Millers will be the Blades’ penultimate outing of pre-season. Following next Saturday’s final friendly against VfL Bochum in Germany, focus will switch to their season opener against Mansfield Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup the following Sunday.
With the start of the season almost upon us, clubs are working tirelessly to strengthen their squads. With that in mind, here are some of the latest transfer rumours concerning United’s Championship rivals...
Baggies ‘closing in’ on familiar face
West Bromwich Albion are ‘close’ to re-signing former Ipswich Town left-back Conor Townsend on a free transfer, according to a report by BBC Radio WM. Townsend was released by the Tractor Boys at the end of last season after missing the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
He joined Ipswich from West Brom in August 2024, signing a two-year deal at Portman Road, but was restricted to just ten appearances for the Suffolk outfit. He has not played since Ipswich’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April 2025.
Prior to his move to Portman Road, Townsend spent six years with West Brom after arriving from Scunthorpe United in July 2018. He made 213 appearances for the Baggies, scoring four goals.
It has been reported that he is expected to return to The Hawthorns on a one-year deal. He will provide competition for Callum Styles at left-back.
Premier League clubs ‘eye’ Fisher
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Norwich City have ‘no intention’ of selling defender Kellen Fisher during this summer’s transfer window. The 22-year-old played a key role in the Canaries climb up the Championship table in the second half of last season under head coach Philippe Clement, putting himself in the shop window.
His performances caught the attention of a cluster of Premier League clubs, with Hull City, fresh from winning last season’s Championship play-off final, reportedly made an ‘initial approach’ for the 22-year-old earlier this summer.
With the start of the new Premier League season now just a month away, Brentford, Everton, Leeds United and Newcastle United are the latest clubs to have been credited with an interest in his signature. It is claimed that the four aforementioned clubs believe he is ‘capable of stepping into the Premier League immediately’.
Fisher is an attractive option for Premier League clubs because of his ability to play at both right-back and left-back. Right-back is his primary position, but he is also capable of operating on the opposite side of the defence.
Fisher joined Norwich from Bromley in June 2023 and has since racked up 102 appearances for the club.