Birmingham City had a superb start to the 2023/24 season under John Eustace but both the results and mood have gone dramatically downhill ever since Wayne Rooney's arrival. The decision to relieve Eustace of his duties was controversial enough but Rooney coming in as the successor was even more contentious.
Blues were sixth in the Sky Bet Championship before the managerial shake-up but have since slumped to 17th following six defeats in nine matches. Rooney has managed to claim just five points out of an available 27 – the worst record in the entirety of the division since he walked through the St Andrew's doors.
Birmingham are merely four points above the relegation zone as it stands and that gap could get agonisingly smaller if Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday continue their revived form. Rooney and the Blues board may have to take action in January to strengthen the squad in key areas.
Transfer speculation hasn't been as rife as usual at this time of year but there have still been a few rumours knocking about – both for incomings and departures. We've taken a look through the speculation and put together what Blues' matchday squad could look like by the ned of January. Here's a run-through.
1. GK: Jack Butland (in from Rangers)
The first big name linked with Blues since Rooney’s arrival, Butland is widely reported to be a key target ahead of the January window. The former Stoke City man would likely cost around £4 million – a steal considering his experience.
2. RB: Ethan Laird
Laird is currently injured and will be for the next couple of months but will be raring to go again by the end of the winter transfer window.
3. CB: Dion Sanderson
The skipper is at the centre of the plans of both Rooney and the club going forward.
4. CB: Melayro Bogarde (in from Hoffenheim)
Speculation has gone quiet recently but Bogarde was frequently linked with a move to St Andrew’s in the summer. Blues need a new central defender with Sanderson’s yet to have a reliable partner.