Barnsley confirm fresh deal for Portuguese youngster, Southampton to battle Rangers for powerhouse defender - Championship gossip

Meanwhile, the relegation battle is continuing to escalate, with a number of sides in danger of being sucked into the drop-zone. Here's all the latest news and gossip from the Championship:

Birmingham City boss Pep Clotet has refused to confirm speculation that wonderkid Jude Bellingham has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund, but did praise the club's academy for producing such a talent. (Daily Star)

Nottingham Forest forward Lewis Grabban has vowed to play through the pain of his current knee injury, claiming that the niggle won't stop him helping to get his side promoted. (Nottingham Post)

West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic has backed his midfielder Romaine Sawyers to make a big impact upon his return from a ban this weekend, having had extra time to recharge his batteries. (Birmingham Mail)

Barnsley have announced that 20-year-old Portuguese starlet Elliot Simoes has signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay until the summer of 2023. (BBC Sport)

Leeds United have been tipped to go toe-to-toe with a host of Premier League sides for Besiktas striker Cyle Larin this summer. He's likely to cost around €12m, but his price could increase as interest grows. (Fotospor)

Southampton are the latest side to be linked with a summer move for Millwall defender Jake Cooper. The towering centre-back is also said to be a target of Rangers and Aston Villa. (Football Insider)

Watford are said to have failed in an attempt to land Birmingham City left-back Kristian Pederson last January, with the Blues apparently knocking back an £8m offer for the Danish ace. (Sport Witness)

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that his side will still be without January loan signing Jean-Kevin Augustin this weekend, as the striker continues to struggle with a hamstring issue. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk has backed youngster Alex Hunt to "go along way" in his career, and has insisted that regular exposure to first-team football will be vital to his development. (Sheffield Star)