The transfer window opens this week with plenty of activity expected across the 24 Sky Bet Championship clubs.
This window is often make-or-break for those in pursuit of the Premier League.
Recent seasons have demonstrated how the right addition in January can be the difference between promotion and another campaign in this division.
A number of star players have caught the headlines lately, with a step up expected for some before the January 31 deadline.
On the flip side, top talents at this level could be brought back from the Premier League, with clubs battling to find a striker who could provide the extra goals needed.
Ahead of the window getting under way, Tom Carnduff outlines some of the expectations for players involved in teams at both ends of the standings.
Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen has already has direct involvement in 21 goals, but he is by no means a one-season wonder.
The forward was linked with a switch to the Premier League in the summer, such was his good form throughout the 2018/19 campaign.
He netted 22 goals for a Hull side who finished comfortably in mid-table during that season, adding another four assists alongside that.
The 23-year-old has demonstrated the various abilities needed for a forward to succeed. Dribbling is firmly in the strengths column, as is finishing opportunities created by both himself and others.
While that skill on the ball often creates chances from close range, Bowen can also strike from distance. He's a player entrusted to deliver in certain set-piece situations.
What doesn't seemingly get enough credit is his defensive contribution. While there is a preference to attack, Bowen has no issue supporting the full-back or drifting in centrally to provide numbers in midfield.
His contract expires in the summer which could force Hull into a January sale to maximise current value. However, the Tigers aren't willing to dip much lower than his £20million price tag.
Jarrod Bowen - to sign for before February 3rd 2020 (odds via Sky Bet)
- Aston Villa - 5/6
- Newcastle - 5/1
- Leicester - 8/1
- West Brom - 8/1
- Bournemouth - 18/1
Che Adams
An interesting name to appear in recent weeks and one who could return to the Sky Bet Championship.
Adams only made the switch to Southampton in the summer - joining from Birmingham for a £15million fee.
The striker has been unable to establish himself as a regular in the side though and despite starting their previous two games, it is understood that Southampton would allow a loan move in January.
That will only happen if the Saints can secure another forward - a target area for them during the four weeks of the window.
Adams only has one assist to his tally during the first-half of the 2019/20 season. That came after he was fouled to win a penalty in the Saints' 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth.
However, he scored 22 goals during a solid campaign with Birmingham last season and Southampton will be eager for him to find that goal-scoring touch again.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds are understood to be the frontrunners for his signature.
Che Adams - to sign for before February 3rd 2020 (odds via Sky Bet)
- Leeds - 1/1
- Birmingham - 4/1
- Derby - 12/1
- Preston - 16/1
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze continues to impress as the season goes on with a number of eye-catching performances for QPR.
The ability to dribble and drive forward has been a major contributing factor in the nine goals he has already scored from the attacking midfield positions, alongside a further four assists.
Eze is a player with all the characteristics of being a fan-favourite. His speed and advancing dribbles go alongside an ability to keep hold of the ball which leads to fouls against, particularly as he looks to cut inside to beat a defender.
If his current form continues, and of course a move in January doesn't materialise, the 21-year-old is a potential Player of the Season candidate - with a spot in the Team of the Season a near certainty based on what we've seen so far.
However, January could see him move up a division with Sheffield United rumoured to be preparing a £12m bid to lure him away from the capital.
Conor Gallagher
It's been a wonderful season so far for Conor Gallagher, with the 19-year-old enjoying his first loan spell away from Chelsea.
He made the temporary switch across London in the summer to Charlton and hit the ground running in new surroundings with six goals and three assists in 23 Championship appearances.
Gallagher has shown the ability to line-up in five different midfield positions so far and has performed in each role. His attributes suit all areas in the centre of the pitch.
An eye for goal has been in evidence throughout, and being able to strike from distance, an ability that many players don't have, will likely see him hit double figures by the time the season concludes.
Another eye-catching trait is his level of comfort on the ball, which allows him to dictate proceedings and make his presence felt.
Burnley are believed to be interested in a January move for the Chelsea youngster.
Dwight Gayle
A name that always pops up around the Championship when a transfer window opens is Dwight Gayle.
The Newcastle forward spent last season on-loan at West Brom, enjoying a prolific campaign that brought 24 goals in total.
Nottingham Forest are said to hold an interest as they aim to bolster their forward line, but Newcastle's stance could make any potential transfer difficult.
A loan move for Gayle is very unlikely, and at the age of 29, a sale is preferred. The Premier League outfit value him at £15m and are reportedly unwilling to move on their price tag.
Steve Bruce has also stressed that he wants Gayle to stay at the club, despite only involving him for 150 minutes in the league this season.
"I don’t want him to go anywhere," Bruce stated in early December.
"I think he is a natural goalscorer, which is something every club would have. He’s by far the best Championship striker there’s been for the last five to eight years. I saw what he did last season at West Brom because he was in the Midlands.
"Right foot, left foot. How many did he score? Twenty-four goals to nearly get them promoted.
"I don’t want him to go anywhere, and it would have to be a ridiculous offer and amount of money. Let’s be fair, everyone’s got their price, but I don’t want Dwight to go anywhere, that’s for sure."
Eddie Nketiah
The Arsenal striker is expected to head back out on a temporary basis in the second-half of the campaign.
Nketiah was due to spend the 2019/20 season with Leeds, although a January recall is set to happen following a lack of game time.
He has found himself as second choice to Patrick Bamford. Given how Leeds currently sit top of the division, it's understandable that Marcelo Bielsa is wary of making too many frequent changes.
The 20-year-old scored three goals in 16 Championship games during his time at Elland Road, with the large majority of his appearances coming from the bench.
We could see him back in the league in January with Bristol City, Brentford and Nottingham Forest all in the race for his signature.
However, it's no guarantee. Fortuna Dusseldorf impressed Arsenal with their proposal in the summer window and it is understood that they remain in contention to sign Nketiah on a loan deal.
Odds correct at 1135 GMT (31/12/19)
