Ahead of the summer transfer window and the conclusion of the Championship season, a number of players are already generating interest from the Premier League.
From a Player of the Season award winner to consistent midfield anchors and a winger in the team of the year, Sky Sports News reveals five Championship players who are catching the eye of clubs in the top flight.
Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)
Hayden Hackney has been one of the Championship’s most consistent midfielders and a player Premier League clubs have been looking at closely.
The 23-year-old was named the Championship’s Player of the Season. He has scored five goals in the League and provided eight assists.
Hackney’s contract runs until 2027. Middlesbrough are still pushing for promotion, and do not want to see Hackney leave.
A number of clubs have been linked – Premier League-bound Coventry City the latest, while Everton, Tottenham, Leeds United and Manchester United are all understood to have shown interest in the past.
Imran Louza (Watford)
Imran Louza looks like a different player to the one who struggled to make an impact in the Premier League with Watford in 2021/22 – and his output reflects that.
Louza has scored seven goals and has nine assists so far this season.
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Imran Louza tells Sky Sports about his style of captaincy after being handed the armband permanently at Watford.
He has two years remaining on his Watford deal. Promotion to the Premier League is now out of reach – and he is likely to attract attention.
Leo Scienza (Southampton)
Leo Scienza has played a key role in Southampton’s recent form and their push for promotion.
If they return to the Premier League, they will expect him to be part of that squad. If not, his performances are likely to bring interest from elsewhere.
His team-mate, Shea Charles, has also been attracting attention, and is another reason why Southampton could do with going up.
Southampton are in a strong position with Scienza. His contract runs until 2029.
Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City)
Ethan Galbraith has flourished this season, becoming a creative focal point for Swansea and impressing on the international stage with Northern Ireland.
He caught the eye of Gianfranco Zola during the play-off defeat to Italy.
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Ethan Galbraith tells Sky Sports about his EFL journey so far and growing up at Man Utd.
Galbraith’s contract runs until 2028, with the club holding an option to extend by a year.
Galbraith has rejected Swansea’s initial offer of a new contract, which is understood to fall short of the terms offered to some of the club’s other high performers. Talks are expected to continue.
There has been interest from Premier League and Championship clubs, although no formal offers have materialised since Wrexham had a bid rejected in January.
Head coach Vitor Matos recently said he would like the 24-year-old to remain at the club for the next decade.
Femi Azeez (Millwall)
Millwall’s Femi Azeez has been one of the Championship’s standout attacking players this season.
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Femi Azeez tells Sky Sports about his incredible form for Millwall this season that has helped spark their promotion push.
Also named in the team of the year, the winger has contributed eight goals and seven assists so far.
Azeez has two years remaining on his current deal. Millwall are still fighting for automatic promotion.
