Championship rumours: Middlesbrough striker a 'hurricane' | Leeds United and Aston Villa battling it out for 'non-league sensation' | Updates on Derby County, West Brom

Today's reports see a Middlesbrough striker likened to a hurricane ahead tonight''s Carabao Cup clash with Preston North End.

And two of the second tier's biggest clubs - Leeds United and Aston Villa - are set to battle it out to secure the signing of a 'non-league sensation'.

Here's the Championship rumour mill in full:

Middlesbrough striker Jordan Hugill has been likened to a hurricane by former manager Alex Neil. Hugill was managed by Neil at Preston North End and he returns to Deepdale for the first time tonight since leaving for West Ham United in January. (Lancashire Evening Post)

Leeds United and Aston Villa are in a battle to sign non-league sensation Ed Williams. Williams has reportedly caught the eye of the pair having scored six goals from seven games for Kidderminster Harriers so far. (Football Insider)

Aston Villa star man Jack Grealish signed a new five-year-deal with the club yesterday evening. (Various)

And now Villa are turning their attentions to centre-back James Chester after securing the £45,000-a-week deal for Grealish. (Daily Telegraph)

Lampard has reportedly “checked out” Preston North End defender Ben Davies and could be weighting up a offer for the 23-year-old. (DerbyshireLive)

West Bromwich Albion boss Darren Moore refuses to sweat over the possibility of Leicester City recalling Harvey Barnes.The 20-year-old midfielder has quickly become a fans' favourite at The Hawthorns with a string of exciting performances. (BirminghamLive)

The Baggies are close to announcing Luke Dowling as their new technical director. Dowling has worked at Nottingham Forest since February. (Daily Mail)

Former Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong featured for QPR's U23s against Bristol City at the weekend. The 32-year-old is hoping to win a contract at Loftus Road. (BristolLive)