League One update: ex-Peterborough and Leeds manager Steve Evans departs Gillingham after nightmare run continued against Ipswich, while Portsmouth's rivals Sunderland swoop for ex-Blues target and current Rotherham hotshot

Clubs across League One have already struck deals in the hope of enhancing their chances of achieving individual goals by the end of the season.

And the rumour continues to turn today.

Read below the latest transfer news and gossip across the third division.

Steve Evans departs Gillingham

Gillingham have confirmed they have parted company with manager Steve Evans after a poor run of form.

The Gills fell to a 4-0 defeat to Ipswich at home yesterday which extended their winless run to 14 games.

Which leaves the club languishing in the relegation zone.

A club statement read: ‘Gillingham Football Club can confirm that the contract of Manager Steve Evans has been terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.

‘The Club wishes to thank Steve for all his efforts over the past two years in circumstances that have been significantly more difficult and challenging due to the Covid pandemic, and wishes him well in the future.

‘His assistant, Paul Raynor, will also be leaving the Club.

‘The search for a new Head Coach/Manager will begin immediately.’

Lee Lurks for Ladapo

According to Football League World, Sunderland are the first to move for want-away Rotherham striker, Freddie Ladapo.

Clubs across the EFL were put on red-alert earlier this week when the Millers hitman handed in a transfer request at the New York Stadium.

Pompey had been interested in the hotshot’s signature under Kenny Jackett’s stewardship, but couldn’t strike a deal.

And it is believed the Black Cats are keen on striking a deal for the former Plymouth striker this month, rather than when his contract expires in the summer.

Ladapo has scored 38 goals in 111 appearances for Rotherham since his move from the Pilgrims in 2019.

While the 28-year-old was an unused substitute in the club’s penalty defeat to QPR in the FA Cup yesterday - potentially providing a clue on his future.

Wigan enter race for Slater

Wigan have entered the running for Sheffield United midfielder Regan Slater, according to reports.

The Latics are supposedly rivalling Rotherham and Preston North End to the young Blades signature this month - who could be granted a move to gain valuable game time.

The 22-year-old hasn’t featured for the Yorkshire club this season and has made only three appearances in red and white since progressing through their youth ranks.

Slater impressed during a loan spell in League One with Hull City last season where he contributed to their promotion to the Championship.

While scoring once and registering one assist in 27 league appearances.

McGeady tipped for Sunderland exit

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips doesn’t believe talismanic Aiden McGeady will be their player next summer.

The former Everton winger signed a one-year contract extension in the summer which will expire in June of this year.

And with the 35-year-old plagued with injuries this term, while being one of the club’s top-earners, it’s expected he will leave the club either this month or at the season’s end.

Phillips told Football Insider: ‘At the end of the day, it’s a big commitment to hand a player on McGeady’s money another year.

‘He will be another year older and he has had his injury problems. The injuries have been a shame because we know what a brilliant player he is.

‘Do I see him at Sunderland next season? Probably not.’

Morton set for second loan spell of the season

After being recalled from his loan spell at Fleetwood Town, Callum Morton is expected to temporarily leave West Brom again this winter.

The Cod Army significantly strengthened their frontline with the acquisition of Pompey’s Ellis Harrison yesterday.

And Peterborough have emerged as the first club interested in the striker who scored seven goals and registered five assists for Stephen Crainey’s side.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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