Last Word on Football’s Football Transfer News looks at the latest news and rumours from around world football. Today’s edition looks at the latest EFL transfer rumours, including the Aberdeen forward wanted by Stoke City. Also, could an Aston Villa striker be making the switch to Cardiff City?
We also take a look at the Manchester United midfielder being linked with Sunderland, plus we have the latest from Oxford United.
EFL Transfer Rumours
Aberdeen Set Price for Stoke Target
Stoke City have been told what it will cost them for target Sam Cosgrove. The 18-goal striker is new Potters boss Michael O’Neill’s top January transfer target. However, Alan Nixon of the Scottish Sun reports that Aberdeen have placed a £4 million price target on the hitman.
Cosgrove was signed in January of last year for a bargain fee of just £25,000. In his last 50 games, he has scored 38 goals and O’Neill believes he is the man to fire his team to Championship safety. Aberdeen do not want to lose the striker from their European chasing squad and hope the price tag will put off interested parties. The report also suggests that Italian giants Lazio have also watched the striker.
Cardiff City Eye Villa Striker
Bristol Live are reporting that Cardiff City have joined the race to sign Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia. The former Bristol City star has several interested parties with a January move likely due to his contract running out next summer. Villa rejected a bid from Qatar club Al-Gharafa, believed to be around £7 million, earlier this season. However, the English transfer window was shut and Villa were not prepared to lose the player in case of injuries.
Kodjia has played just 20 Premier League minutes so far. With contract talks yet to begin, it appears that Kodjia will be allowed to leave in January. New Bluebirds boss Neil Harris wants to bolster his squad in an attempt to gain a play-off place this season. City are currently tenth in the Championship but are just three points off a play-off place.
Sunderland Keen on Manchester United Midfielder
Also among the EFL transfer rumours is the report that Manchester United midfielder James Garner is a target for Phil Parkinson at Sunderland, according to the Sunderland Echo. Garner is highly thought of at United but they are willing to let the 18-year-old leave on loan to gain valuable first-team experience. Sunderland could be his destination.
Sunderland have struggled since Phil Parkinson arrived as manager. The January transfer window cannot come soon enough for both the former Bolton manager and the Black Cats supporters. Sunderland could face stiff competition for Garner with Wigan Athletic and Preston North End in the Championship reportedly interested.
Oxford Set to Lose Loan Star
Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has revealed that the club made a “big bid” for on-loan defender/midfielder Chris Cadden. The 23-year-old signed for United from MLS club Columbus Crew in the summer. The U’s had hoped to agree a permanent deal for the Scot; however, according to the Witney Gazette, they are now resigned to losing the former Motherwell player in January.
Robinson admits that although the offer was high, it was a “take it or leave it” bid. Unless Columbus Crew change their mind, Cadden will be heading back to the MLS in January. Cadden has become a key player for Robinson, helping the side to sixth place so far in League One and to the FA Cup third round.
