Birmingham City could still face a battle to keep hold of Fulham loan man Jay Stansfield.
Birmingham City look set to press on with their January transfer plans after appointing a new manager in Tony Mowbray, following the disastrous spell under Wayne Rooney.
Mowbray earned a point in his first game in charge yesterday, drawing 2-2 at home against Swansea City courtesy of a 95th minute strike from Jordan James.
But Mowbray’s first bit of transfer activity could be a blow, with Ipswich Town remaining keen on signing Stansfield.
Ipswich Town still working on loan hijack for Jay Stansfield
Reports leading into January revealed that Ipswich Town were hoping to poach Stansfield from Birmingham City.
It came after a dip in form from the 21-year-old who enjoyed a blistering start to the season under John Eustace; in total, Stansfield has scored seven and assisted two in the Championship for Blues this season.
And this morning, Alan Nixon has revealed on his Patreon that Ipswich ‘are still hoping’ that Fulham recall Stansfield and send him to Portman Road.
But Nixon adds that Birmingham City are desperate to retain his services until the summer.
Scott Hogan re-emergence could play a factor for Birmingham City
Scott Hogan lead the line for Birmingham City yesterday, with Stansfield playing on the right.
It was a surprising decision from Mowbray but Hogan managed to thoroughly impress in what was his first Blues start since October.
And with Hogan now looking like he could play a key role under Mowbray, it could throw a spanner in the works where Stansfield is regarded.
Stansfield may now be forced to play on the wing when his best position arguably remains up front, and whether or not that would suit Fulham remains to be seen.
Fulham might want Stansfield playing solely as a striker and if that won’t happen at St Andrew’s, he could well be recalled and sent elsewhere.
Mowbray will no doubt be keen on keeping Stansfield as he’s a proven goal-scorer and someone who can play in a number of positions too.
He’s certainly improving but his scoring touch has dwindled somewhat in the past few weeks’ Mowbray though may be the man to get him firing once again.
Up next for Birmingham City is an FA Cup replay vs Hull City on Tuesday.