Gianfranco Zola's start to life as Birmingham City manager has not been an easy one in the slightest and since he took over, he's still yet to win a game in the St Andrew's hotseat.

The Italian arrived in seriously controversial circumstances following the departure of popular manager Gary Rowett and has struggled to find any form since arriving in the Midlands.

But with January now upon us, the former West Ham United and Watford manager has the chance to bring in players of his own choosing and there have been plenty of transfer lines coming from the club over the past few weeks.

And with plenty of players being linked with Birmingham, how could they be set to line up if those transfer rumours are to be believed?

Birmingham City fan and FLW writer Hayden Atkins takes us through the potential Birmingham City XI come February, if all the whispers come to fruition...

GK: Tomasz Kuszczak

There have been no real links with any goalkeepers this month and with Tomasz Kuszczak looking good between the sticks so far, it's only natural that the Polish shot-stopper is set to keep his place in goal this season.

RB: Emilio Nsue

Middlesbrough's defender-come-winger Emilio Nsue has been linked with a move to Birmingham over the past couple of days and he looks set to join the club in the very near future.

The pacy 27-year-old has struggled to break into the Middlesbrough side this season and looks to be a solid addition to the Birmingham squad, especially with Jonathan Spector looking increasingly likely to leave this window too.

CB: Michael Morrison

Birmingham captain Michael Morrison is the heartbeat of this Birmingham City side and there's little prospect of him moving on this window, even if there is interest.

CB: Ryan Shotton

Former Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton has really impressed since his summer move to St Andrew's and he's another player who is more than likely to retain his place in the first team for the entirety of the season.

He's been slated for his defensive work in the past and it's good to see him performing well at Birmingham.

LB: Cheick Keita

Virtus Entella full-back Cheick Keita has been linked with a move to St Andrew's in recent days and interest comes as promising news for Birmingham fans, who have been crying out for another full-back option for months.

The highly-rated Frenchman made the move to Italy as a youngster and hasn't looked back since, making 47 appearances for the Entella first-team since the beginning of last season.

CDM: Rene Krhin

Granada midfielder Rene Krhin was hotly linked with a move to St Andrews last week but interest has now cooled and the transfer has been put on the back foot.

The Slovenian international, who plays for Granada was thought to be high on Zola's list of potential incomings but this one might have to wait for another time.

CDM: Maikel Kieftenbeld

Dutch midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld is a seriously big player in the middle of the park for Birmingham and he looks set to remain in that role for the coming months.

He's a real enforcer and is quite happy to sit in front of the defence the cut out any potential danger.

A tough-tackling, no-nonsense individual.

RM: Johnny Russell

Derby forward Johnny Russell is another name that's been mentioned a lot recently and it would be a real coup if Zola could bring him to St Andrews.

He's still starting plenty of games for the Rams but isn't scoring as many goals as he perhaps should be.

Darren Bent is McClaren's star striker in that side and the Scottish international is finding it hard to dislodge him from the central role.

CAM: Craig Gardner

Everyone's favourite Bluenose is back and for Birmingham fans, it's fantastic to see cult hero Craig Gardner at St Andrew's again.

He's signed on a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to signing on a permanent basis and he made his debut as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

LM: Wayne Routledge

Sky Sports believe Birmingham are readying a bid for Swansea City winger Wayne Routledge and he'd certainly be a big player if he were to join the club.

A price of around £3million has been mooted, which if you ask some Blues fans, might be a little high.

He's a pacy option but at 32-years-old, he's an older player who might only have a handful of years left at this level.

ST: Lukas Jutkiewicz

Former Burnley man Lukas Jutkiewicz joined Birmingham on a permanent deal earlier this January and his signing is a real coup for Gianfranco Zola's side.

The burly front-man has been in fantastic form this season and his goal-scoring presence has really taken the pressure off the shoulders of Clayton Donaldson, who has been struggling with injury.

 

Birmingham fans - do you agree with this XI? Who would you like to see come in this month? Let us know in the comments below...