Transfer Rumours - July 19

We are not saying they are true – just that they are out there.

WOLVES

Wolves could be rivalled by Black Country cohorts West Brom to land defender Shane Duffy from Blackburn Rovers this summer.

The Republic of Ireland centre-back is back with his club, after returning from playing for his country at Euro 2016 in France.

The 24-year-old has a year left on his contract at Ewood Park and the duration of his deal might tempt Rovers into selling him.

Blackburn are courting enquiries and now the Baggies appear to be showing an interest, after Wolves were linked to him last week.

WEST BROM

Albion might be willing to let one of their stoppers, James Chester, rejoin Hull City if they can defensive reinforcements on board this summer.

Chester is unhappy at the Hawthorns, after a lack of starts during last season, and wants regular games after featuring for Wales at Euro 2016.

The 27-year-old spent four years at Hull before leaving upon the Tigers' relegation from the Premier League, but they have now gained promotion.

Boss Steve Bruce would welcome him back, too, with injuries to his son Alex Bruce and Moses Odubajo to contend with and may bid £4million.

ASTON VILLA

Aston Villa are looking to steal a march on Championship rivals Leeds and convince Liam Bridcutt to join them on loan from Premier League side Sunderland.

The defensive midfielder, 27, is out-of-favour at the Stadium of Light having followed his former Brighton chief Gus Poyet to the Black Cats in January 2014.

The £3.5million man has a year left on his contract and is available to be borrowed for next season. He had a spell at Leeds in 2015-16, but now Villa are keen.

WALSALL

Walsall left-back Rico Henry is now attracting the attention Championship new-boys Newcastle United as his list of suitors continues to grow.

Premier League titlists Leicester City have scouted £1.5m-rated Henry, as have fellow big guns Liverpool and Arsenal.

West Ham appeared to be in front of Championship outfit Leeds for the 19-year-old, having loaned Walsall midfielder George Dobson to build up a good relationship with the Saddlers.

But West Ham might not be able to compete with the attraction joining City, Liverpool or Arsenal, who will have title aspirations again, would offer to the England Under-19 international.

Newcastle could be his preferred destination in the second tier, though, with manager Rafael Benitez having splashed the cash as they attempt to make an instant return to the top-flight.