Birmingham City, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, and the other EFL clubs linked with Kyle Lafferty have been handed a near-fatal blow in their pursuit of the striker, as he has agreed a contract with Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta. 

The 33-year-old turned heads with his impressive form at Kilmarnock last season, as he scored 13 goals in 13 games for the SPFL after joining in February but was unable to keep the Scottish side up.

It is understood that Lafferty was open to staying at Killie but wanted his salary quadrupled, which seemingly left the door open for EFL clubs to swoop.

Sources informed Football League World that a host of clubs south of the border were interested, with Birmingham, Cardiff City, Derby, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, West Brom, and Wigan all running the rule over the free agent striker.

Their hopes of signing the Northern Irishman appear to have been handed a fatal blow as Cypriot top tier club Anorthosis Famagusta have announced that they've agreed a deal to sign the target man on a one-year deal – subject to a medical.

The journeyman striker has more than 400 appearances under his belt in a career that has seen him play in England, Scotland, Turkey, Switzerland, Italy, and Norway, with Cyprus now set to be the next step.

The Verdict

It seems Lafferty will not be returning to the EFL this season, with his move to the Cypriot top tier agreed as long as he passes his medical.

On the back of his fantastic form north of the border, the 33-year-old could have made a very interesting addition with his stature and power up top likely to make him a nuisance for defences in all three EFL divisions.

As it is, the likes of Birmingham, Derby and West Brom will have to look elsewhere.