Jay Stansfield is said to want to stay at Birmingham City beyond the January transfer deadline, despite interest from Ipswich Town and Sunderland.
The forward is willing to devote his immediate future to the Blues, according to the Birmingham World.
Stansfield is currently on loan from Fulham for the season, although the Cottagers have the option to recall him this month, while Ipswich and Sunderland have also been connected.
Last summer, the 21-year-old had several admirers but chose to sign with Birmingham.
He has established himself as an important member of the club, providing seven goals and two assists in 23 Championship games.
Good news for Birmingham City
EFL pundit Carlton Palmer believes this is a great development for new Birmingham manager Tony Mowbray.
The former midfielder has praised the performances of Stansfield so far this season, and has claimed that the 60-year-old coach will be delighted to work with the forward.
“Great news for Birmingham City that Jay Stansfield has come out and said he’s happy at Birmingham amid interest in his services from Ipswich and Sunderland,” Palmer told Football League World.
“There was talk that Fulham were going to recall him and maybe sell him or loan him out to another Championship club.
“And that may still be the case, they may still recall him if they get a massive offer for him, but it’s great news for Tony Mowbray, who has just taken over at Birmingham City.
“He’s been the bright spark of the season.
“He’s had a very good first half of the season.
“So Birmingham would be keen to keep him for the second half of the season, they have him on loan for the current season and would be keen to see that out.
“Great news for Tony Mowbray, great news for Birmingham City and great news for the fans.”
Birmingham are currently 20th in the Championship table, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Mowbray has been placed in charge of the first team squad following the decision to part ways with Wayne Rooney.
The new manager has yet to oversee his first game in charge, but he will be hoping to guide the team up the second division standings.
Rooney oversaw just two wins from his 15 games in the dugout at St. Andrew’s, so Mowbray will be hoping to turn their fortunes around immediately in order to avoid a relegation battle.
Keeping Stansfield will be key for Birmingham
Palmer makes an excellent point in stating that Fulham may receive an offer that is too good to refuse, leaving Stansfield with little choice but to return to Craven Cottage.
However, that appears doubtful at this point, and he should stay with the Midlands team for the rest of the season.
Mowbray was in charge of Sunderland when they attempted to recruit Stansfield last summer, so he’ll be thrilled to finally work with him.
Keeping him will be critical to their survival in the second tier, and Mowbray will look to him to score the goals that propel the team up the Championship table.