Harry Redknapp will not let Ryan Shotton leave Birmingham City this summer until he has found a replacement, reports Sky Sportsâ Rob Dorsett.
The Birmingham manager is actively looking to strengthen his playing squad this summer, and is chasing the signature of Aden Flint, but has seen two bids rejected by Bristol City for the defenderâs service.
Middlesbrough are reportedly looking to sign Shotton this summer, but Redknapp has now told reporters that he will not allow the 28-year-old defender to leave St Andrewâs until a replacement has been signed.
The 70-year-old has also confirmed he is looking to sign Ravel Morrison on-loan between now and the end of the summer, and is hopeful of reaching an agreement with his parent-club, Lazio.
However, Redknapp admitted Birmingham were not willing to pay all of the 24-year-oldâs wages in any potential deal.
Birminghamâs summer business has been disappointing, with Redknapp becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of arrivals so far.
David Stockdale, Marc Roberts and Cheikh NâDoye have been the clubâs only major arrivals, leaving Redknapp with the bulk of the squad that only avoided relegation on the final day of the season last year.
Birmingham suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ipswich Town on the opening day of the 2017/18 season, and will be looking to pick up their first points of the campaign when they face Bristol City this weekend.
The Verdict
Redknappâs stance over Shotton is understandable, and the likelihood is that until Flint arrives at Birmingham, Shotton will not be moving to Middlesbrough.
Birmingham will be hopeful of agreeing a deal with Lazio over the loan of Morrison, with Redknappâs side lacking creativity.
It would be no surprise to see plenty of transfer activity at Birmingham over the coming weeks, with Redknapp desperately trying to reshape his squad between now and the end of the summer.
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