Birmingham City boss Garry Monk has admitted he is expecting a very quiet January, although he insists they will be doing all they can to look for players in case the situation changes.

Blues had a very difficult summer due to problems with FFP and as a result they were seriously restricted in the business they could do after the signing of Kristian Pedersen.

The former Leeds boss had to turn to loan signings and free agents and they were even limited in how many players they could bring in.

And, Monk told Birmingham Live that as it stands one more signing would be allowed under those restrictions but he is aware how things can change.

"We have one place left we can possibly use but at this moment in time nothing is clear with that.

"Of course, we have been working behind the scenes to identify all areas and see what is available. It is limited in terms of what we can do. It’s not exactly the greatest pool of players you can pick from, like the summer - and do what you’d ideally like to do."

Despite a defeat against Bristol City last time out Blues are ninth in the league and six points away from the top six in what has been a positive campaign on the pitch.

The Verdict

You have to feel sorry for Monk in all of this and he must be hugely frustrated that he is unlikely to be able to build on the good work he has done.

Clearly, Blues need a few new faces and they could perhaps be genuine top six contenders, but that seems highly unlikely.

Instead, they have this, along with a potential points deduction, hanging over them and it could run for the next few months.

Thoughts, Birmingham fans? Let us know in the comments below.