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Birmingham City have until the end of the January transfer to add any finishing touches to their squad
Birmingham City have ambitious owners who want to get them to the Premier League as soon as possible. They are back in action this weekend with an away trip to the Kassam Stadium to play relegation threatened Oxford United. Chris Davies’ side drew 1-1 at home to Stoke City last time out.
They were promoted from League One last year along with Wrexham and Charlton Athletic. The Blues are now eyeing a place in the Championship play-offs. In the meantime, here is a look at how their starting XI could look if the transfer rumours are true....
Birmingham City’s starting XI if the transfer rumours are true: goalkeeper and defence
Goalkeeper: James Beadle
Centre-backs: Luke O’Nien, Christoph Klarer
Full-backs: Kai Wagner, Tomoki Iwata
Birmingham signed goalkeeper James Beadle on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer. He has since made the number one spot his own ahead of Ryan Allsop. Prior to his move, he caught the eye with fellow second tier side Sheffield Wednesday.
The Blues have been linked with a move for Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien this winter. According to the Chronicle, they are interested in the centre-back along with Coventry City and West Brom. If he joined, he would partner Christoph Klarer in the heart of the backline.
Kai Wagner has made a positive impression at left-back since his move from Philadelphia Union in MLS earlier this month. He likes to get up and down the flank and get involved in attacks. On the other side, Tomoki Iwata battles it out with Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Birmingham City starting XI if the transfer rumours are true: midfield and attack
Midfielders: Frank Onyeka, Paik Seung-ho
Wingers: Philip Otele, Carlos Vicente
Strikers: August Priske, Jay Stansfield
Birmingham are keen on Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, BirminghamWorld understands, but they face competition from elsewhere for his signature with Coventry and Sheffield United also mentioned as potential suitors. It appears likely that the top flight man will be leaving the Bees before the deadline on Monday 2nd February for a fresh start somewhere else. However, it remains to be seen at this stage where he will end up next.
The Blues are admirers of FC Basel winger Philip Otele, says reporter Ben Jacobs on X. However, the likes of Wolves, Lazio, Celtic and AFC Bournemouth are also in the frame. The Nigerian attacker has been a hit in Switzerland and his current club will face a battle to keep hold of him.
Birmingham have delved into the market over recent times to snap up Carlos Vicente and August Priske to boost their attacking department. The pair will be looking to settle in as quickly as possible as Davies’ men look to force themselves into the mix for promotion. They have forked out around £7million to snap up Vicente from Alaves and will be hoping he can hit the ground running immediately.
Jay Stansfield is a key member of the squad and joined permanently from Fulham. Prior to his full-time switch, he impressed on loan. He has scored nine goals this term.
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