Championship rumours: Striker returning to Middlesbrough | Leeds United fans are "absolutely incredible" says former player | Aston Villa's 'sensational' deal nears collapse

Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis barks orders from his touchline

Reports today claim a Middlesbrough striker is on the verge of returning to Teesside, sooner than expected and A former Leeds favourite has called their fans "absolutely incredible".

Meanwhile, it's disappointing news for Aston Villa fans as a move for a big name looks set to be hijacked.

Here's the hard hitting rumours from around the Championship:

Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite could be travel back to Teesside sooner than expected after a major cash row between Denmark players and the Danish FA escalated. (Northern Echo)

Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph has called Leeds United “absolutely incredible" and has been impressed with them under Marcelo Bielsa. Delph started his career at Elland Road before moving to Aston Villa. (TalkSport)

Sporting Lisbon will attempt to hijack Aston Villa's move for defender John Terry – but only if Pedro Madeira Rodrigues wins the presidential election. Rodrigues has reportedly claimed he will target a move for Terry should he beat five other candidates to the club job. (Mirror).

Derby County paid £1 million to secure the season long loan signing of Harry Wilson from Premier League giants Liverpool. (Liverpool Echo)

Preston North End have decided against appealing Ben Pearson's red card so will now miss the next three matches. Pearson was sent off after full-time on Saturday following an altercation with Bolton's Joe Williams. (Lancashire Post)

Stoke City will be without James McClean for the near future after damaging his left wrist whilst on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. (Various)

Bristol City's Callum O'Dowda says it's “always nice to get a call-up” after he was selected for the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League double-header. (Bristol City FC website)

Summer signing Kyle Bartley has admitted he “feels like he's been at West Brom for years” after his move from Swansea City. (Express and Star)

Leroy Fer limped off after 35 minutes in Swansea's win at Millwall at the weekend but hopes the injury won't keep him out for too long. (Swansea City FC website)