Another set of rumours are flying around the Championship today as the countdown to deadline day begins.

This morning Middlesbrough have been linked to another bid for Fulham star Ross McCormack and Huddersfield have signed Algerian international Karim Matmour.

Plenty of clubs are still active in the transfer window and desperate to get deals over the line before the February 1 deadline.

Here's a look at all of today's Championship gossip from around the country.

Birmingham City

Diego Fabbrini against Burnley

Birmingham have been linked with a move for former player Diego Fabbrini from Watford, despite the Italian half-way through a season-long loan with Middlesbrough.

Gary Rowett's side were reportedly interested in the 25-year-old in the summer, but Boro could pay more for the midfielder's services.

The extra contract would make a move difficult for the Blues, but crazier things have happened in the January transfer window.

Bolton

Bolton boss Neil Lennon has admitted it Wanderers could fail to keep hold of their longest serving player, Mark Davies, this transfer window.

"He is staying unless someone else comes in, which is good news for us," the ex-Celtic manager said.

"It might not be from a financial point of view, but from a footballing one it's good to hear. But that may change over the next week or two."

Davies is in his seventh season with the Greater Manchester side, but the club's financial difficulties could see him leave the Macron Stadium this month.

Brentford

In demand (L-R): James Tarkowski, Alan Judge and Toumani Diagouraga

James Tarkowski will not be included in Brentford's squad for Saturday's trip to Preston after refusing to play against Burnley.

The 23-year-old defender pulled out of the game with the Clarets, where Brentford lost 3-1, after telling Dean Smith he didn't want to face Sean Dyche's side.

Tarkowski has been linked with a move to Burnley during the transfer window and the Bees have rejected two offers from the Lancashire outfit.

The Bees have had no further bids for Tarkowski, nor for Alan Judge and Toumani Diagouraga.

Bristol City

Gillingham midfielder Bradley Dack has turned down a move to Bristol City according to boss Justin Edinburgh.

The Robins had offered £1m for the £22-year-old who has netted 13 times this season, but Gillingham have rejected the offer.

Edinburgh said: "I spoke to Bradley on a personal level and he made it quite clear he didn't think Bristol [City] was the right move for him.

"Bradley is a fantastic player but very mature young man. He just wants to have success at Gills. That's his main focus."

Zach Clough and Andre Gray have both turned down offers from the Robins already this season.

Cardiff City

Cardiff are set to let strikers Eoin Doyle and Joe Mason leave the club this month according to reports.

The Irish Sun claims the Doyle has been lined up for a move to Preston North End, with Wolves ready to spend £1.6m on Mason.

Although the money will appeal to the Bluebirds, the transfer embargo means the south Wales club will not be able to spend it until the summer, which might put them off the deals.

Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield have completed the signing of Algerian international Karim Matmour. The 30-year-old was a free agent after being released by Kuwaiti side Al-Arabi - who he had scored twice for in two appearances.

The Terriers have received international clearance for the forward, who could make his debut against Brighton on Saturday.

Manager David Wagner told the club's website: "It is not normal that we would be able to get a player of his quality with no transfer fee.

"He can play in all four attacking positions; on the right, on the left, as a number 10 or number nine.

"This strengthens our forwards and will help me make good decisions to keep them fresh."

Leeds United

Leeds are reportedly tracking Chievo full-back Fabrizio Cacciatore following the departure of starlet Sam Byram to West Ham.

Chairman Massimo Cellino watched the 29-year-old defender in person at the weekend in Chievo's 1-1 draw with Empoli.

Although no offers have been submitted for the defender, Tuttomercatoweb claims the Peacocks' owner wants to bring the former Italian youth international to Elland Road this month.

Middlesbrough

Suffered: Ross McCormack feels the pain of defeat to Sheff Wed

Middlesbrough have submitted a higher bid for Championship second-top scorer Ross McCormack according to Sky Sports News.

Boro had a £6m bid rejected by Fulham last week but it is claimed the north east side has come back with an improved £8m offer as well as a switch with Spanish striker Kike.

The Cottagers' talisman has netted 17 goals in 31 appearances this season, but could be allowed to leave Craven Cottage if the price is right in order for the London club to balance the books, while a makeweight in the deal would be way of getting around the transfer embargo imposed on the club.

Reading

Reading have been linked with Cracovia Krakow striker Deniss Rakels, with Polish media sources claiming the deal could be completed in the next few days.

The forward has bagged 14 goals in his last 15 appearances for the Polish outfit, leading to interest from two Bundesliga sides as well as Belgian team Club Brugge.

The Royals are thought to be in pole position for the in-form finisher however, as they are set to match the 23-year-old's €500,000 release clause.

Sheffield Wednesday

According to the Star, Sheffield Wednesday have agreed a deal with Norwich City to buy Gary Hooper.

Wednesday are set to pay £3m for the striker who has been on loan at the Owls for the first half of the season and the switch could be completed later today if personal terms are agreed.

After his brace against Leeds last weekend, Hooper said: “I want to stay, I like it here. It’s a good squad and we’re winning games. I’m scoring goals and playing games. I’m happy here and we’ve just got to see what happens now.”