Cardiff City 'close in' on double signing involving Aston Villa star as player explains Leeds United decision

The summer transfer window continues to pick up pace, and many Championship clubs have already wrapped up new signings. Queens Park Rangers are off to a flyer in the summer window, while Millwall are also up and running, especially after the signing of Japhet Tanganga from Tottenham.

QPR will be hoping to avoid any relegation concerns this season, while Millwall will feel they can take steps towards a top-half finish after ending up in 13th spot last term. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours from around the Championship.

Browne deal

Sunderland have completed a deal to sign Preston North End favourite Alan Browne, who became a free agent this summer after failing to agree a new deal.

Browne said upon joining the Black Cats: “It’s a big change for me after being at Preston for such a long time, but it’s brilliant to be here. Sunderland is one of the biggest clubs in England and I can’t wait to get started. I captained Preston for some time, so hopefully I can bring those leadership qualities to the Stadium of Light and add to what is a very talented squad.”

Club chief Kristjaan Speakman added: “Alan is a dynamic and versatile midfielder, who will complement the players within our squad and bring fresh qualities to our midfield. His availability is something we have closely followed throughout the last eight months and his ambition was at the forefront of our discussions. He believes he can fulfil those ambitions at Sunderland and after seeing our potential, he wants to play an important role in creating future success. We are delighted to welcome him to the Club."

Llorente on Leeds exit

Diego Llorente has explained his move from Leeds United to Real Betis after wrapping up a deal to depart Elland Road permanently. “I’ve spoken to teammates like Marc Roca, Fornals, Juanmi, with whom I’ve coincided in other clubs and all the words were good, not only as a club but on a personal level for my family and for me, an unbeatable place to develop as a footballer and to give the best of myself,” he told El Correo de Andalucía. That kind of thing also helped me to make the decision.

The defender added: “On my return (from Roma), I was informed about all the situations, about Betis. There were other interests, also from the club where I was on loan, Roma, but the sum of all the factors that I’ve said that help on a personal and professional level, the illusion that they have transmitted to me has been key to making the decision and I can’t think of a better place to continue taking steps forward and to be able to be a better player.”