This season was the first season without the loan window, meaning that if clubs wanted to offload or sign players on a temporary basis they'd have to do it during the regular window.

Like in every season, many players were brought in on loan in the Championship, with some clubs making more loan signings than others.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have six players currently on loan with the club, whilst the likes of Derby currently just have one loan signing amongst their ranks.

As expected, the Championship has had many ups and downs this season.

Brighton have already captured promotion to the Premier League, while down at the bottom Rotherham United have been relegated to League One.

It looks as if Newcastle United will join Brighton in the automatic promotion places, but the play-off race is still close, with five teams fighting for the four places.

Reading and Huddersfield look to have done just enough, but Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham and Leeds.

But anything could happen yet as two points separate Wednesday in fifth and Leeds in seventh.

The battle at the bottom is also hotting up as we head into the last three matches of the 2016/17 campaign.

There has been some great talent on show in the second tier this season, here are the FIVE best loan signings of 2016/17...

 

Tammy Abraham

Arguably the best loan signing in the Championship this season, Tammy Abraham joined Bristol City on a temporary basis from Premier League giants Chelsea.

The youngster has bagged 25 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions for Bristol City this season, including 22 league goals.

In what's been a pretty dull season at Ashton Gate, Tammy Abraham has been a bright spark and was incredibly unlucky not to make the Championship Team of the Season.

Parent club Chelsea will be very impressed with his form in 2016/17 and will be hoping he can replicate that goal-scoring ability in the future for them.

He perhaps isn't ready for Premier League football yet, and if Chelsea do want to loan him out again there'll be plenty of teams interested.

Aaron Mooy

Aaron Mooy joined Huddersfield Town on loan from Manchester City, following his move to the Etihad from Australian club Melbourne City.

Mooy has gone on to make 44 appearances for the Terriers as they have pushed for promotion, contributing 4 goals. The Australian has been a revelation for the Yorkshire based club, and his top performances earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season.

The 26-year-old is yet to make his debut for parent club Manchester City, but after his incredible campaign this season for Huddersfield, Pep Guardiola might want to consider giving him some game time next season.

Pontus Jansson

Pontus Jansson joined Leeds on loan from Italian side Torino last summer and has been a great defender for Garry Monk's side.

The Swede has made 34 appearances for Leeds this season, and has been a rock in the back four as the Elland Road crowd have seen their side push for promotion.

Following the brilliant season Jansson has had, the club have already agreed a deal with Torino to sign him on a permanent basis once his loan expires, and even if he hadn't have joined Leeds after his loan, surely there would be many clubs interested in the 26 year old's services.

Aiden McGeady

Aiden McGeady joined Preston on loan from Premier League Everton and has been a stand out performer in what's been a decent season at Deepdale.

The winger has made 32 appearances for North End and has scored 8 goals, including a goal on his debut in a 2-1 defeat at home to Barnsley.

McGeady has struggled with parent club Everton, but has enjoyed a great season with Preston as they have once again avoided a relegation battle, sitting 10th in the table, not too far off of the play-offs.

McGeady has definitely proved himself this season whilst on loan at Preston and with him seemingly looking surplus to requirements at Goodison Park, he could make a move away from the club this summer.

Glenn Murray

Glenn Murray has been a major part of Brighton's season as they have won promotion to the Premier League.

Murray joined on loan from Bournemouth in the summer and has scored 22 goals in 44 matches in all competitions for the Seagulls, which has played a big role in Brighton's rise to the top.

The 32 year old frontman made it into the Championship Team of the Season, unsurprisingly due to the great form he's shown in 2016/17.

Championship fans... Do you think these 5 were the best loan signings this season? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!