Derby County and Sunderland are hoping to raid Championship rivals Bolton Wanderers to sign their tenacious midfielder Josh Vela.
Sunderland are in desperate need of new blood if they are to avoid going from the Premier League to the third tier in the space of two years.
Black Cats boss Chris Coleman has plenty of targets in mind – but unless he can raise funds by selling a number of first team players there will be no permanent additions at the Stadium of Light this month. Needless to say that doesn’t bare thinking about.
So Derby County should be aware that, if they act now, they will have the best possible chance of enhancing their midfield with the signing of Bolton Wanderers’ Josh Vela.
The Mail stated last month that second-placed Rams were keen on taking the 23-year-old from the Trotters with manager Gary Rowett keen to add a combative presence to his engine room alongside the influential Joe Ledley.
It is understood that Bolton may be forced to cash in due to the club’s precarious financial situation.
But while Sunderland are also keen to raid their relegation rivals for Vela, The Mail (live blog, 14.13pm) stating they have joined the race, Coleman has little chance of bringing the the Bolton academy graduate to Wearside as things stand.
Because The Chronicle reports that he will be limited to short-term loan deals unless he can find a buyer for the likes of Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong, who The Observer linked with an £8 million move to Watford this week.
Coleman, however, insists he has received no enquiries. And as long as this continues, Derby could be free to press ahead with a deal for Vela.
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