Thursday Transfer Gossip (August 4): Leeds United eye Tottenham defender | Maguire wants out at Hull City | Sheffield United chase Morsy

Rotherham United have signalled their intent by smashing their transfer record to sign forward Jon Taylor from Peterborough. Having missed out on ex-Halifax striker Lee Gregory, and Tom Bradshaw who left Walsall for Barnsley, the Millers have forked out £500,000 to bring in Taylor, 24.

Their previous record signing was Jonson Clarke-Harris, who they paid £300,000 two years ago. Meanwhile, a loan deal for Celtic midfield-playmaker Scott Allen is expected to be completed later toad.

At Leeds United, the signing of Liam Bridcutt is getting ever-closer as both Sunderland and the Whites continue to thrash out a deal for the midfielder, who made 24 appearances on loan at the club last season.

Sunderland are not keen on paying up the last 12 months of his contract, worth reportedly £26,000 a week, while Leeds will only bring in in line with their current wage structure. However, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s sources are confident that a deal will be concluded.

The hunt for an additional centre-half continues and though an enquiry has been made for Nottingham Forrest defender Jack Hobbs has been made, Monk is beginning to search for alternatives.

The latest name to be linked to Leeds United is Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Ball. The 21-year-old spent last season on at Rangers and was hugely impressive as he became a mainstay in the team that earned a return to the Scottish Premiership.

Touted for a return to Ibrox, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino had been keen on testing Ball at a higher level in pre-season and depite starting against Juventus, he disappointed ansd was left out against Atletico Madrid.

He now finds himself well down the pecking order and another loan move for the ball playing defender, who has represented both England and Northern Ireland at youth level, should be on the cards.

The exodus at Hull City looks set to continue as their Premier League preparations could not have been more shambolic if they had tried. Midfielder Mohamed Diame moved north to Newcastle in a £4.5m deal.

Meanwhile, the exit door looms closer for defender Harry Maguire and despite a £5m bid from Middlesbrough being rejected, reports suggest he will force through a mover by handing in a transfer request.

At Sheffield United, reports are continuing to link the club with a move for ex-Chesterfield captain Sam Morsy. The midfielder joined The Latics in January and though the Championship club see him as an important part of their team, their interest in Blades full-back John Brayford may ignite a move.