CLASSY YOUNG GUNS COULD MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

THE PLAYERS EFL CLUBS WILL BE CHASING IN THE WINDOW

- Chris Dunlavy

JANUARY may be the worst time to sign players but a crafty bit of business can pay off in spades come May.

Just look at Middlesbrough, whose acquisition of Cameron Archer and Jacob Ramsey on loan from Aston Villa turned a lingering relegation battle into a full-throttle tilt at automatic promotion last term.

That is why the sporting directors and recruitment bods at Championship clubs across the country are currently beavering away to tee up deals for the coming month.

Here are some of the names on their hitlists:

DANIEL JEBBISON – SHEFFIELD UNITED STRIKER

Jebbison was just 17 when he scored for Sheffield United against Everton on his first-ever Premier League start in 2021.

Almost three years on, Jebbison’s record for the Blades stands at two goals in 20 matches. Injuries haven’t helped his cause, but the emergence of other promising young forwards at Bramall Lane - particularly Will Osula and summer signing Ryan One - have significantly diminished the 20-yearold’s status.

Jebbison is out of contract in the summer and there is no sign of a new deal. Given the Blades’ perennial desperation for cash, it would be a surprise if the striker is not offered to Championship clubs in a cut-price deal next month.

VALENTIN BARCO – BOCA JUNIORS LEFT-BACK

Barco was spotted at the age of nine by legendary Argentinean scout Ramon Maddoni, whose former alumni include Carlos Tevez, Esteban Cambiasso and Juan Roman Riquelme.

Subsequently signed by Boca Juniors, the 19-year-old has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting youngsters in world football and was widely credited with inspiring Boca’s run to the final of this year’s Copa Libertadores.