The transfer window is entering its final few days and there is likely to be interest in a glut of EFL players
12:00, 27 Aug 2021Updated 12:01, 27 Aug 2021
The transfer window is approaching its final phase.
After a slow start, the window has burst into life. There have been some huge moves so far, such as Lionel Messi's transfer to PSG and Romelu Lukaku's £97m switch to former club Chelsea.
But it's not all about the so-called big clubs. Plenty of transfer activity has happened outside the Premier League, with EFL clubs getting their squads in order.
Now, with the window closing on Tuesday, many of those clubs will be hoping they can hang on to their star assets and avoid them falling into the clutches of the big boys.
Here, we look at just some of the second tier players who could be on the move before the window shuts.
Matt Grimes
Swansea's classy midfielder was recently talked up with a move to EFL rivals Fulham.
Grimes, City's captain, has entered the final year of his contract and as such this window represents the last chance for his current employers to cash in.
New Swans' boss Russell Martin was quizzed on Grimes prior to their first game of the season and said: "He’s a fantastic player. If it comes to a point where Matt has left it’s because the deal is right for the football club and it means we can use that to help us out in other areas."
When asked about the transfer links himself, Grimes told Sky Sports last week: "It's all just noise around me at the moment.
"I'll give everything I can for this club every time I step foot on the pitch, and that's all I can say about it really."
Kieffer Moore
The big Cardiff City target man impressed hugely last season, scoring 20 goals in the Championship.
He then went to the Euros with Wales and scored in their opener, featuring four times.
His growing reputation has alerted Premier League sides and Wolves have been most vocal about their interest. Bruno Lage's side are said to be preparing to lodge a bid of around £7m for Moore.
His current boss Mick McCarthy spoke only this week about the speculation, saying: "We’ve got a player that apparently loads of people want… but we’ve got four or five days left and I’ve not heard anything!
"Look let’s be clear about it, if Kieffer gets a chance to play in the Premier League, he will want to do it."
David Brooks
To the surprise of many onlookers, the talented Welsh international is still at AFC Bournemouth.
Despite showing undoubted skill and trickery it is puzzling that nobody from the Premier League has decided to take a punt on Brooks since the Cherries' relegation in 2020.
Of course, new Bournemouth chief Scott Parker will be desperate to hang on to one of his star assets but as the window closure edges nearer it would be a shock if no club tested that resolve.
Brooks has endured a mixed season so far, scoring three times but also being sent off.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa
Fulham forked out £30million for the Cameroon international back in 2018 but he has endured a stop-start time of it at Craven Cottage.
He played in both their unsuccessful Premier League campaigns and sandwiched inbetween was a loan spell at Villarreal.
There was interest from English top flight sides earlier in the summer including from Arsenal, whilst reports earlier this week indicated Spanish giants Roma are keen on a deal.
With two years remaining on his contract, Marco Silva's side are not under pressure to sell but it is thought they would be open to recouping a large chunk of their outlay.
Brennan Johnson
Nottingham Forest youngster Johnson was a class act on loan at Lincoln City last season.
He scored 11 and assisted 13 as the Imps reached the League One play-off final.
He started Forest's first three games of this season but there is growing interest from the Premier League. Brentford are circling around the 20-year-old and have already seen two bids rebuffed.
Now, Sky Sports claim the Reds are holding out for £10m for the academy product.
It remains to be seen whether Johnson will remain at the City Ground beyond 11pm Tuesday.
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