Birmingham City have been handed a huge boost after Jay Stansfield was given the green light to complete his season-long loan at St Andrews.
Fulham did consider recalling the striker after several Championship sides, including promotion-chasing Ipswich Town, showed their interest.
But rumours of the 21-year-old departing have now been put to bed by the club in an update via social media.
Jay Stansfield will stay at Birmingham City
Jay Stansfield has quickly become a fan-favourite among Blues supporters since arriving in the summer having plundered nine goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.
The youngster is on course to smash his best goal-scoring season at senior level after netting nine goals in 36 appearances for Exeter in League One last term.
A step up to the Championship was always going to be a difficult test for the forward, but it’s one he’s passed with flying colours, and now supporters are delighted he will remain at the club till the end of the campaign.
Following this update, everyone associated with the Blues can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they get to watch him continue his excellent start under Tony Mowbray.
Two of his nine goals this term have been scored under the new manager and the 60-year-old has expressed his desire to sign him permanently.
Tony Mowbray wants to sign Stansfield permanently
Although he’s only been in the managerial hot seat for 17 days, Mowbray already knows what a talented player he has on his hands and believes Stansfield is enjoying his time in the Midlands.
Speaking after Birmingham’s 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Saturday, he said: “I think we should definitely be in the market for (Stansfield) if there’s a number where he could definitely come and play here. I think he enjoys it that much.
“He would want to play in the Premier League if he thought he was going to play in the Premier League, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want to go and sit on the bench, I’m sure he much prefers playing in the Championship and scoring goals. It’s not our decision, it’s Fulham’s decision, but I know he’s enjoying it.”
A permanent deal for the young striker will be hard to do without paying a sizeable fee.
Fulham know there is huge interest in Stansfield and they may see him as a striker who can play in the Premier League for them next season.
That said, multiple players, including Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius, are currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ultimately, Stansfield just wants to play regular football and if Marco Silva can’t offer him that, Mowbray will welcome him back with open arms.
For now, though, Birmingham supporters need to saviour watching the talented striker.