Bristol City rival's sent transfer message as Man Utd icon urges £17m-rated sensation to join Leeds United
A round-up of all the key transfer stories from Bristol City’s championship rivals
Bristol City will aim to pile further pressure on sixth placed West Brom as they play host to Swansea City in a huge match in this year’s play-off race.
The Robins recorded a 1-1 draw last time out against in-form Oxford United despite ending the game with just nine players on the pitch as both Joe Williams and Ross McRorie saw red in a hard-fought contest at the Kassam Stadium.
The result leaves Liam Manning’s side two points off the play-off ahead of a busy period which sees the team play three times in six days.Bristol City will have to make do without any incomings for the remainder of the season after a quiet January window.
Meanwhile, many of the other 23 teams in the division were heavily involved in the action all the way through to deadline day. In the aftermath, we take a look at all the main headlines from the second-tier of English football.
Man Utd icon urges international star to join Leeds United
Former Manchester United winger and two-time Premier League winner Andrei Kanchelskis has advised Armenian playmaker Eduard Spertsyan to join Leeds United in the summer window amid strong reports of interest from the West Yorkshire side. Leeds are currently chasing promotion back into the Premier League at the second attempt after last season’s play-off final loss, and are currently top of the table with a two points cushion over nearest rivals Sheffield United and Burnley.
Daniel Farke aimed to boost his team’s promotion hopes with a move for Krasnodar talisman Spertsyan but was unable to get the deal over the line on deadline day after a £17m offer was rejected. However, he has not given up all hope of signing the 24-year-old eventually and is expected to return with an improved offer if the Whites can secure automatic promotion.
Kanchelskis, who manages Dynamo Bryansk in the third tier of Russia, claims the chance to play in England should be too good for Spertsyan to turn down, while adding that he believes he has the qualities to succeed at Elland Road.
He commented, via Leeds United News: “I think that, with Spertsyan’s skills and mastery, he can play in England. If there is interest from Leeds, then why not? The team is looking to the future, aiming to enter the Premier League. A club with a name, with traditions. Spertsyan needs to use this chance because we need to face the truth. Every year, he performs more and more quietly. [In England], he will progress.”
Alex Palmer bids farewell to West Brom
Alex Palmer made a sudden exit from West Brom on Monday's transfer deadline to complete a £5m move to Premier League strugglers Ipswich as the Tractor Boys look to alleviate the threat of relegation. He played over 100 times for the Baggies and is exit comes as a huge blow to the team’s promotion hopes under new boss Tony Mowbray.
When reflecting on his exit, he posted on social media: "Baggies fans, I wanted to take a moment to say a massive thank you for all your support during my time at the club, especially over the last three years," Palmer wrote on social media.
"Playing over 100 games in the senior side is something I used to dream about, and to say I achieved that is something incredibly special to me. Playing at The Hawthorns in front of you all was an honour. I have so, so many fond memories of doing that.
"I’d also like to thank all the staff who have played a massive part in helping me become the goalkeeper and the man I am today. I’ve made friends for life. I’m so thankful for that. I wish the supporters, the staff and the players nothing but the best for the future. Albion is a special club and one I owe a lot to."
Palmer’s departure came as a major blow to Bristol Rovers in League One as their first choice goalkeeper Josh Griffiths was recalled by West Brom in the eleventh hour. He made 28 appearances for The Gas in the third-tier this season.