Leeds United set for surprise transfer windfall as former QPR man finds new club

Championship clubs are already hard at work on the grass as pre-season preparations step up and clubs begin to jet off for pre-season tours. Millwall and QPR will both head into the new season with renewed confidence after pretty strong finishes to last season.

The Hoops have followed that up by making a number of early signings, while Millwall have also landed some quality additions, signing Japhet Tanganga and Macaulay Longstaff over the last couple of days. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding all the Championship clubs.

Leeds windfall

Leeds United are said to be close to netting a windfall from Max Dean with the striker on the move this summer. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Gent have wrapped up a deal to land Dean from MK Dons.

Crucially, Leeds still hold a 50% sell-on clause in the deal, and they are now set to welcome £800,000 from the move which has a total value of £1.6million.

Taylor verdict issued

Watford have little chance of landing Luton Town star Joe Taylor this summer, according to pundit Carlton Palmer. "It has come out that Watford are very keen on Luton Town's rising young talent Joe Taylor, but there's no chance that Luton will sell Taylor and they certainly won't be selling him to a potential rival in the Championship next season," he told Football League World.

"Watford are keen to sign Taylor from Luton on a permanent deal, but the 21-year-old impressed in League Two and League One last season during loan spells with Colchester United and Lincoln City. Taylor scored a combined 21 league goals during the 23/24 campaign, he made a name for himself in temporary spells away from Kenilworth Road. He's played six times in Luton's first-team and he featured in the Hatters' Championship play-off final victory over Coventry City at Wembley in 2023 before scoring his penalty in the shootout.

"It's no surprise that there's interest in Taylor, but I can't see Luton selling him. He makes good runs behind, he presses, he's got high energy, a good work rate, his finishing ability stood out for all to see and was one of the best strikers in League One last season, I can't see that Luton will entertain selling the young talent and certainly not to rivals Watford.

"Rob Edwards will be looking for an immediate return to the Premier League next season and unless they get a ridiculous offer for Taylor, I think he'll keep him in the building in the Championship or possibly loan him back out to League One. But like I said, with the fierce rivalry between the two clubs and his ability, I don't think he'll be allowed to leave the football club."

Willock joins Cardiff

Cardiff City have confirmed the signing of Chris Willock on a free transfer, with the winger having left QPR at the end of his contract this summer despite discussions over a new deal.

“I’ve been speaking to the Club for a few weeks now and they’ve really convinced me with the project going forward, I think it suits me. I spoke to the manager and he has told me the ideas that he has for me and the team,” Willock said upon his arrival in South Wales.

"Of course, Cardiff City are always a difficult team to play against. I’ve faced the Club a few times and I think I can offer a lot here. I like to get on the ball as much as possible, make things happen, run at players, score and create goals. Hopefully, I can do that while I’m here.

“I know a few players from playing against them. From my time at Arsenal, I know Aaron Ramsey. When I was a young kid, I went up to train with the First Team. Of course, he’s a top player, he’s had a great career, which speaks for itself and I can learn from him. Over the summer, I’ve been training myself and have had a few training camps, so I’ve been keeping myself ticking over. I feel like I’m in good shape and can only get better from here.”