Almost Done: Birmingham City ‘near’ to signing a midfielder

Birmingham City are allegedly close to signing midfielder Andre Dozzell on loan from Queens Park Rangers, which would be the club’s first incoming deal under new manager Tony Mowbray.

The new manager of St Andrew’s, who formerly led Sunderland, plans to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window.Mowbray led Blues to their first FA Cup success, a 2-1 victory over Hull City in the third round replay. They will face Leicester City in the round of 32.

The Blues will face Stoke City in the Championship this weekend, and a new player may join the squad.According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the club is ‘near’ to signing Dozzell on loan until the end of the season from Championship side QPR.

The 24-year-old has appeared frequently for the Rs this season, scoring twice from center midfield. He came on as a substitute for the final five minutes of QPR’s 2-1 loss to Watford last Saturday, but he is already cup-tied after starting against Bournemouth in the third round.

Mowbray stated in his pre-match news conference ahead of the weekend’s encounter against Stoke that he hoped a new signing will be announced soon. “I think we are getting closer,” he remarked.

“There has been a lot of recruitment going on. We need to do this (news conference), and then I have something else to do. Another thing I have to do is recruit and possibly speak with a player we are interested in signing.