Southampton and Wrexham are both eyeing a January bargain from the Premier League, as Football League World suggests three EFL rivals that should challenge the Championship duo to their signature.

According to TEAMtalk, Southampton and Wrexham are both interested in signing Leeds United's German striker Lukas Nmecha this January, with the 27-year-old's contract at Elland Road due to expire next summer.

Nmecha has shown no indication that he will sign a fresh deal in West Yorkshire at this stage, as Leeds may be tempted to cash in this winter as opposed to risk losing him for nothing in less than 12 months time.

FC Köln, among numerous other German clubs, are also said to be interested in the former Manchester City, Preston North End, Middlesbrough, Wolfsburg, and Anderlecht forward, as FLW takes a look at three current EFL clubs that should spoil Southampton's and Wrexham's plans this January.

Birmingham City

Birmingham City are well-stocked up front right now, with each of August Priske, Luis Vazquez, and Marvin Ducksch vying for a place as the lone striker under Chris Davies right now.

However, whilst Priske and Vazquez have earned a healthy number of minutes at this stage, Ducksch has not, as the German has recently stated his desire to leave St Andrews at the next available opportunity, with a move back to Germany his preference.

The 32-year-old, whilst he has struggled for minutes, will need to be replaced in the event of any departure, and Nmecha could be a savvy option.

Of course, the Leeds striker will demand regular minutes in any case of dropping a division to join Birmingham, and though Priske and Vazquez have both performed well in their own right at this stage of the season, increased competition will only increase the level of play at the club.

Nmecha could take Blues' attack to the next level, and with serious Premier League ambitions sooner rather than later, the German could be the final piece of the puzzle to help the club get over the line.

Burnley

Burnley are in real trouble right now, and the January window will provide the Clarets with a much-needed roll of the dice if they still find themselves in a mess.

Nicky Hayen won just one of his 12 league games in charge at Turf Moor, as well as being knocked out of the EFL Cup at the hands of Bradford City, as Fabio Celestini has been chosen as the person to replace the Belgian at the helm.

Whether Celestini will have the desired impact remains to be seen, though the Swiss head coach will already have one eye on the January window to stamp his authority on the side, as Nmecha could be a serious target.

Though Burnley have each of Jamie Vardy, Armando Broja, Zeki Amdouni, and Andreas Hountondji as options up top, whether any of them have the capability to drag them away from this precarious position remains to be seen.

Nmecha certainly possesses the necessary quality and capability to drag the Clarets away from danger, and though convincing him to make the move to Lancashire at this stage may be a tough sell, they would be remiss to not at least test the water, and should join Southampton and Wrexham in the race.

Where do you think Nmecha should go if he were to leave Leeds in January? Would you like to see him at your club? Share your thoughts below!

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers, like both Birmingham and Burnley, will have their sights firmly set on an immediate return to the Premier League this season, and may have the best chance of the lot based on their current squad.

Despite having each of Raul Jimenez, Adam Armstrong, and Sean Neave battling for a place up top at Molineux, the centre-forward role has emerged as one of difficulty for the Old Gold.

Jimenez, for his obvious quality, is 35, and cannot be relied upon to play 90 minutes in the Championship week in, week out, especially since he has been out of action after suffering an injury against Everton in the EFL Cup in mid-September.

Armstrong has just two goals in ten league games thus far, and despite the 29-year-old's incredible record in the division, has largely flattered to deceive, whilst Sean Neave's inexperience cannot be solely relied upon.

If Cesar Peixoto wants to secure a swift return to the top flight, a new striker in January ought to be in the pipeline, as Nmecha could be an excellent fit.

The opportunity to join a side fighting for promotion and to become the main man up top is surely one that should interest the German, as Wolves should do everything they can to get this deal across the line ahead of Southampton and Wrexham.