Sources: Championship clubs race to sign Cheltenham star Charlie McCann
Cheltenham Town star Charlie McCann is being watched by Championship and League One clubs, sources have told Football Insider.
The 24-year-old has hit a fantastic run of form lately, and has scored seven goals in nine League Two games from midfield to fire his side up to fourth in the table.
The former Man United and Rangers youngster was named League Two Player of the Month for September, and his displays have alerted clubs higher up the pyramid.
Primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play slightly deeper, McCann is being watched closely by Championship clubs amid a feeling he is ready to make the step up.
Cheltenham, however, are believed to be reluctant to sell their star man as he has a crucial role to play in their plans for the season after what has been a very strong start.
McCann only joined the Robins in June, for what the club labelled a "nominal fee", and while the length of his contract is unclear, there are no plans to lose him already.
Why is Charlie McCann attracting high-profile interest?
McCann has long been admired by clubs across the EFL, who previously took note of his talents during spells at Rangers and Man United, despite a lack of senior success.
Since his return to English football, his performances for Barrow earned him a move to Cheltenham, where he has already attracted interest from clubs higher in the food chain.
The attacking midfielder has only failed to score in three of his nine League One appearances so far this term, and despite earning a red card last time out, has impressed watching scouts.
He has also represented Northern Ireland at Under-21 level, and will have ambitions of making his senior bow this season if his outstanding early form continues after the break.
It is currently unclear what sort of fee it would take to lure McCann away from Cheltenham, but the club would be looking to make a significant profit on the fee spent in June.
Which other big names are being targeted by Championship clubs?
Championship clubs are already working hard ahead of the January transfer windows to identify targets and strengthen their squads after a busy start to the season.
McCann is not the only player being tipped for a move to English football's second tier, as clubs set their sights on players who could become available in the mid-season window.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds United star Dan James could be set for a move to the Championship in the near future.
The 28-year-old has found play time increasingly difficult to come by in recent months and has been pushed down the pecking order by new arrivals at Elland Road.
Amid doubts over his ability to perform in the Premier League, there is a growing feeling that a move to the Championship could be on the cards in January.