Championship transfer gossip as Sunderland striker search continues and Villa want to hijack Hull bid for defender

Pictured above: Tom Cairney (Getty Images)

Leeds United are close to signing Ajax defender Pascal Struijk.

The Express report the centre-back, whose contract with the Dutch giants runs out his summer, is likely to go into the Whites' under-23 side as opposed to the first team.

Struijk, 18, has represented the Netherlands' U17 side on three occasions.

Premier League duo West Ham and West Brom are both interested in signing Fulham captain Tom Cairney.

The midfielder wants to move to the Hammers, according to Sky Sports.

However, as Cairney is under contract until 2021, he could command a significant fee if he was to leave Craven Cottage.

Sunderland have been priced out of a move for Hearts striker Kyle Lafferty.

The 30-year-old, who has scored 11 goals this season, was on Chris Coleman's radar as he looks to strenghten his squad for the remainder of the campaign.

But Chronicle Live reports any switch for the forward is unlikely owing to the Black Cats' lack of funds for transfers.

Aberdeen's Scott McKenna (right) - credit: Getty Images

Aston Villa are looking to pip Championship rivals Hull City to the transfer of Scott McKenna.

The Aberdeen centre-back has been the subject of three bids from the Tigers, all of which have been rejected.

Steve Bruce's Villa have now joined the race for the defender, according to The Scottish Sun, but they may have to sell players before submitting a bid for McKenna.

Derby County striker Chris Martin has until the end of the weekend to decide whether or not he wants to join Sunderland.

The Scottish forward is wanted by Chris Coleman but the Derby Telegraph say he has given Martin until the end of Sunday to make a decision.

Martin is also wanted by Reading.

Wolves are interested in signing Coventry City midfielder Ben Stevenson.

The 20-year-old is wanted by Nuno Santo's side for the U23 squad, report the Birmingham Mail.

Stevenson has only played 11 times this season and the Sky Blues could cash in on him with others ahead of him in the pecking order at the Ricoh Arena.