Coral’s five Championship stars who could make a January jump

The Championship is full of hidden gems, so Coral writers put our heads together to create a list of five diamonds in the rough who can make a leap to the Premier league.

With the January transfer window almost upon us, clubs are being linked left, right and centre to expensive options from abroad, but there are already plenty of alternatives in their back garden.

Here’s who we think could make the grade.

Rudy Gestede (Blackburn Rovers)
After being nominated for the Championship Player of the Month award in November, in-form Blackburn forward Gestede is showing no signs of slowing as the hectic festive fixture list takes hold.

The Benin international has eclipsed highly-rated clubmate Jordan Rhodes this campaign, and certainly silenced critics who questioned his consistency by grabbing 11 in 18 league outings.

France-born forward Gestede should be interesting the likes of Leicester City and Sunderland, who are struggling up top, but the 26-year-old’s accomplished all-round play could mean he has a higher ceiling than a relegation scrap.

Will Hughes (Derby County)
A mainstay of the England Under-21s, Derby’s midfield conductor Hughes has long been tipped for future Three Lions stardom.

The Rams academy product may be slight, but his technique, decision-making and ability to pick a pass have reportedly seen him register on the radar of Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.

Still just 19, and with Derby currently topping the Championship table, Hughes may be difficult to prise from Pride Park, where he is enjoying regular playing time, but would represent a smart investment for many a Premier League club. The Rams are 7/4 to lift the Championship title.

Tyrone Mings (Ipswich Town)
Bath-born left back Mings burst onto the scene this season, taking over from departed Aaron Cresswell with aplomb.

If reports are to be believed, Arsenal have been quoted a £10m fee for the fleet-footed 21-year-old, who has taken a regular starting birth at Ipswich, who are 10/1 to win the Championship, in his stride.