Birmingham City have launched a late deadline-day bid to sign winger Jefferson Montero from fellow Championship side Swansea City, Sun journalist Alan Nixon has reported.

It was revealed earlier in the summer that Montero may be forced to search for a new club abroad, due to issues with the Ecuadorian's work permit, although that doesn't seem to have put Birmingham of a move for the 29-year-old.

According to Nixon's update, The Blues are keen to secure a loan move for the winger, although any deal that does take place would need to be ratified.

Montero, who was absent from Swansea's squad for their 2-1 victory over Hull on the opening day of the season, spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at West Brom, making four appearances and scoring once for the Baggies.

Since joining Swansea from Mexican side Morelia in the summer of 2014, Montero has made 84 appearances and scored twice in all competitions for the Wales-based side.

There are just 12 months remaining on Montero's current contract at Swansea.

The Verdict

This feels like an odd move to make at this time in the window.

I can understand why Birmingham are interested in a move for the winger, given his proven pace, and the fresh attacking impetus it would offer a Blues side who are arguably short on out-and-out attackers.

However, given the complexities of this deal, due to the uncertainty around his work permit, you feel Birmingham have risked a lot in leaving it this late to make a move, and you wonder if it could ultimately cost them here.

If it does, then in many ways they will only have themselves to blame for not getting to work on this sooner.