Birmingham City have suffered yet another frustration in the transfer market.

According to BBC Sport and other media outlets, Birmingham City target Ogenyi Onazi has been denied a work permit to enter the United Kingdom.

This ends Birmingham's hopes of signing the central midfielder.

The Blues had identified Onazi as their top midfield target and had agreed terms of a deal with Trabzonspor for his services.

With the deal looking promising, Birmingham have been dealt a blow with the news that the 38-cap Nigerian international will not be granted a work permit.

This is despite Onazi being a regular member of the Nigerian national team.

The Football Association rejected the application for a work permit and have rejected an appeal made by Birmingham City.

Both Birmingham and the player are "bitterly disappointed" by this decision, BBC Sport understands.

Despite Onazi's regular outings for Nigeria, the work permit application was rejected because of Nigeria's world ranking over the last couple of years.

The 24-year-old spent last season at Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor after five years with Serie A side Lazio.

The diminutive central midfielder has over 100 senior appearances to his name already in his career and was a top target for Birmingham City.

However, the Blues will now need to look at other options.

The Verdict

This is undoubtedly a blow for Birmingham because Onazi would have been considered a coup.

The 24-year-old is still young but has plenty of experience and is likely to get even better.

The Blues have plenty of options in central midfield already, though, so they are not short in that department.

Birmingham fans - What do you make of this news? Let us know below...