Birmingham City will be hoping uncertainty regarding a takeover will come to an end very shortly in their quest to focus on on-field matters.

However, concerning reports yesterday suggest that this saga will carry on for a little longer than many people would have been expecting, a real blow for the Midlands club as they look to enter a new chapter.

With Paul Richardson able to control the financial side of things at the club and Maxi Lopez able to contribute heavily with his footballing expertise, they looked to be the perfect pairing for John Eustace's side.

 

 

It remains to be seen whether they can get a deal over the line but for now, Eustace will be firmly focused on ensuring this campaign is a much brighter one for the club following recent relegation battles.

In fairness, they were never in any real danger of going down last year after a solid start - but ended the 2021/22 campaign in an alarming fashion and it's now the new manager's job to halt that decline.

They started well last weekend with a 0-0 draw away at Luton Town but looking more at transfers with under a month left to go in the current window, we have the main headlines for you.

Rosenior on Knight

Soccer Football - Championship - Reading v Derby County - Madejski Stadium, Reading, Britain - January 3, 2022 Derby County assistant manager Liam Rosenior Action Images/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Derby County boss has warned Birmingham it will take a hefty amount of money to lure Jason Knight away from Pride Park this summer, speaking to Derbyshire Live.

The Republic of Ireland international was an integral asset for the Rams last term and will continue to be if he remains in the East Midlands beyond the summer - but he’s likely to be heavily linked with a move away between now and the end of the window with the midfielder showing his qualities during 2021/22.

Unfortunately for Rosenior’s side, he has just one year left on his contract which could force them into cashing in on him during this window to prevent the risk of losing him for free next summer.

But that hasn’t affected their manager’s strong stance, with the ex-Hull City full-back saying: "The first thing I would say about Jason Knight is I absolutely love him, the club love him, and for him to leave this football club, it's going to have to take a massive offer.

"We're not in a position now, as a football club, where in the past we have been the victims of teams seeing our financial position and taking advantage."

Eustace provides transfer update

Soccer Football - Championship - Norwich City v Queens Park Rangers - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - April 6, 2019 Queens Park Rangers caretaker manager John Eustace Action Images/Alan Walter EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Manager Eustace has revealed nothing is imminent at this stage in terms of incoming transfers as he spoke to the BBC, something that will be frustrating for many with multiple areas to address before the summer window closes.

A left-sided player will be required following Kristian Pedersen and Jeremie Bela’s departure, even though Przemyslaw Placheta did a good job there against Luton last weekend. Depth will be key in that area if they want to ensure it doesn’t become a weakness.

Another forward or two may also be wanted to give Eustace’s side some much-needed firepower up front, with Troy Deeney and Scott Hogan needing others to chip in if the second-tier outfit are to have a successful season.

In fairness, they have completed some respectable transfer business considering their current takeover situation but they will need to build on it if they are to class this window as a successful one.

Nothing is imminent though according to Blues’ boss, who said: "No (nothing imminent in terms of incomings), nothing at the moment that I'm aware of.

"I've said it before but if we can bring in players that are going to better the squad - brilliant.

"We don't want to just bring in just to make the squad bigger and don't improve us so we've got to be very selective with our players."

Trueman's Millwall move

Soccer Football - Championship - Fulham v Birmingham City - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - July 4, 2020 NHS and rainbow tributes are seen on the gloves of Birmingham City's Connal Trueman during warm up, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Action Images/John Sibley EDITORIAL USE ONLY

League rivals Millwall have agreed a deal to bring Connal Trueman to The Den, it has been confirmed.

The 26-year-old was released on the expiration of his contract at St Andrew’s this summer after failing to force his way past the likes of Matija Sarkic and Neil Etheridge in the pecking order last term.

Despite the former’s return to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the winter, Trueman was still unable to make his mark and with that, it was no real surprise for many to see him leave the West Midlands.

He will remain in the second tier with the Lions though and will be competing with Bartosz Bialkowski and George Long for a starting spot in the English capital.

It may take a heroic effort to displace Bialkowski though, so it remains to be seen whether he can get under senior minutes under his belt at all under Gary Rowett.