Birmingham City braced for double transfer disappointment as Man United man responds to links

Birmingham City are to face transfer disappointment as Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday look set to beat them to one of their rumoured transfer targets.

Blues have a managerial search to conclude right now, and are closing in on the appointment of Tony Mowbray. The 60-year-old - sacked by Sunderland this season - looks to be the preferred candidate, and an has been appointed on a two-and-a-half-year deal today.

The managerial situation however has allowed Birmingham City's rivals to steal a march on one player who had been rumoured to be interest in. According to sister paper The Star, Sheffield Wednesday are closing in on the signing of goalkeeper James Beadle. Beadle - on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion - is set to be recalled and will be loaned to a Championship club this week. The Owls are said to have held 'positive discussions' over a deal, and that the transfer could be concluded this week.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has been an important player for Oxford United this season and has kept nine clean sheets in 28 games this term. His departure from the Kassam Stadium looks likely, after their manager was asked if his absence against Coventry City suggested a return was imminent. Des Buckingham said to the Oxford Mail: “It’s a sign, but we’ve got things in hand with James. I can’t speak more on it at the moment, but there’s nothing done with him in that space yet."

In other news, Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo has responded to transfer links suggesting that a move to St Andrew's or Leicester City could be on the cards. Former West Brom and Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer suggested to Football League World that Diallo could be heading to Birmingham City. He believes that Diallo could reunite with Tony Mowbray after working with him at the Stadium of Light last season.

Diallo however has somewhat poured cold water on the rumours, and has addressed the rumours. In a three-word response on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, the Ivory coast international said: "Stop lying, mate!" which suggests a move is far from likely.

The 21-year-old picked up a serious knee injury during pre-season but returned to action at the end of last month. He made a 36-minute cameo appearance against Nottingham Forest, and is likely to be in the match day squad for the Red Devils' FA Cup third round tie against Wigan Athletic.