Birmingham interim boss expecting summer interest in Fulham frontman

Former Millwall manager Gary Rowett expects Birmingham to attempt a play to sign Fulham striker Jay Stansfield on a permanent basis this summer.

The ex-Lions boss is in interim charge at the Midlands club and saw Stansfield score his 12th goal of the season – and 11th in the Championship – in their 2-1 defeat at Leicester on Saturday.

Stansfield, 21, is contracted to Fulham until at least 2027.

Asked if he expected Birmingham to try and retain the England U21 international, right, beyond the start of May, Rowett said: “Any player with that quality, with goals in their locker, in their first full season in the Championship, I’m sure most clubs – including this one – would probably ask that question.

“The clubs who own those players tend to look for the building blocks – the next steps. Who knows? I’m sure he’s a player who the recruitment team will try to ask the club if there’s an opportunity to sign him – I don’t know those details though.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD