Players from Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Leeds United are currently set to move on as their contracts expire this summer.
Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita
With the Championship season beginning to reach the business end, clubs will beginning to turn some of their attention to their summer plans, including potential targets and contracts they wish to renew.
With that in mind, here is a look at 10 Championship stars – including players from Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Leeds United – who are currently set to move on at the end of the season when their contracts expire…
Alan Hutton (Aston Villa)
Alan Hutton has been a player who has never quite won the Aston Villa faithful over during his time at Villa Park. However, the full-back has enjoyed a slightly better season this term than he has in previous years, and having previously worked under Steve Bruce at Sunderland, it may not be the biggest surprise to see the 32-year-old stay beyond the summer.
Michael Mancienne (Nottingham Forest)
Michael Mancienne
With Nottingham Forest currently without a manager, it would not be a shock to see Michael Mancienne’s future remain unclear for the foreseeable. The centre-back has made 20 appearances in the league this term, but has been unable to prevent Forest keeping the second-worst defensive record in the division. Only bottom side Rotherham have conceded more goals than Nottingham Forest this season.
Peter Whittingham (Cardiff City)
It is perhaps a surprise that Cardiff City have not had to fight off bids for Peter Whittingham in recent years. The midfielder has been a regular goalscorer over the years – he has scored six league goals in each of the last three campaigns, including the current one – and managed a staggering 20 goals in 2010/11. He is also a prolific assist maker, so would surely be an excellent addition to most teams in the second tier.
John Ruddy (Norwich City)
The opportunity to land a one-time England international on a free transfer ahead of what should be his best years means that John Ruddy will surely have a number of offers on the table. Norwich do not boast the best defensive record in the division – only one top-half side have conceded more goals this season – but Ruddy is a proven performer.
Dale Stephens (Brighton)
Dale Stephens
Dale Stephens appears to be destined for the Premier League, whether that be with Brighton or with another side – Burnley were previously linked with a £6 million move (via The Sun) – but the Seagulls are doing an excellent job of convincing the midfielder that he can achieve his ambitions at the Amex as they currently top the table and have a solid cushion to third place Huddersfield.
Cyrus Christie (Derby County)
Cyrus Christie has arguably been one of the more impressive members of the Derby County squad this season, so it may be difficult for the Rams to convince him to stay if they remain in mid-table. They are currently 10 points off the top six so will need a great run if they hope to secure a play-off spot.
Yoan Gouffran (Newcastle United)
Yoan Gouffran looks set to enjoy his best season since his arrival at St James’ Park having already scored five and contributed three assists in the league. With Newcastle currently looking well on their way to securing promotion, he is perhaps battling to earn a new deal with the Magpies and another crack at the Premier League.
Alan Judge (Brentford)
Brentford’s Alan Judge
Alan Judge is still awaiting his first appearance of the season following the horrific leg injury that he suffered towards the end of the last campaign. While signing him would be a gamble, it would pay off enormously if he can replicate the form he showed before the injury, when he scored 14 goals and contributed 11 assists.
Vurnon Anita (Newcastle United)
Vurnon Anita does not exactly set the world alight when he plays, but he is undoubtedly a tremendous squad player to have amongst the Newcastle side. He is more than capable of playing in either full-back position as well as in midfield, so keeping him at Newcastle could be a smart piece of business should they go up.
Charlie Taylor (Leeds United)
Charlie Taylor is another player on this list who is surely destined to play in the Premier League, and it seems that the only way that Leeds may stand the slightest chance of keeping him at Elland Road is by securing promotion this season. Though Gaetano Berardi has impressed lately, keeping Taylor would be another sign that the club are moving in the right direction.
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