Sheffield United have been dealt blows in their pursuit of both Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins.
Brentford have increased their valuation of Watkins to £25m to try and fend off January interest from both the Blades and Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Bowen is valued at around £20m by Hull City. However, the main problem there is that both Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur are now also keen on signing the 22-year-old.
The chances of either Bowen or Watkins making the move to Bramall Lane is becoming increasingly unlikely. So what other options are there in the Championship?
Bowen and Watkins alternatives for Sheffield United
Patrick Bamford
Signed by Chelsea as a teenager, Bamford spent the next five years out on loan. Most of those came in the second tier of English football, but joining Leeds United permanently in 2018 seems to have reinvigorated him.
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A consistent scorer – with nine league goals this season – Bamford is also a hardworking striker that could suit Chris Wilder’s system.
Karlan Grant
During a difficult 12 months for Huddersfield Town, Grant has been the main positive. This is following a move from Charlton Athletic last January.
The 22-year-old has already proven himself in the Premier League with four goals in 13 appearances last term. Grant has added a further 12 strikes to that tally this time around.
The Sun (November 3, page 61) reported that Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in a £10m deal. At that price, the Blades should be too.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Why there are not more top flight teams sniffing around Mitrovic is unclear. The Fulham attacker is clearly too good for the Championship, leading the division’s scoring charts with 16 goals.
Mitrovic also has plenty of Premier League experience from his time spent at Craven Cottage and with Newcastle United before that.
Aside from the fact the 25-year-old is clearly settled in West London, the other major stumbling block would be his price-tag.