Birmingham City linked with Galatasaray star as Sunderland open talks with £3.5m striker and Middlesbrough close in on Leeds United star

Birmingham City are preparing for their first match under Tony Mowbray as they face Swansea City at St Andrew's at the weekend.

It was a short and sweet managerial search which quickly saw Mowbray become the firm favourite for the job, and now the 60-year-old is gearing up for the visit of the Swans. Mowbray's already impressed a section of the supporter base who like what he has to say about his plans for the club after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The game against Swansea will be a chance for him to assess the squad and later on in the month we might see some transfer movement. A few reported targets have headed elsewhere or signed new contracts this month, but there's still plenty of time for business to be done.

To keep you up to date with everything going on transfer wise, here's the latest transfer stories involving Birmingham City and their Championship rivals...

Blues linked with former Brentford striker Dervisoglu

Reports in Turkey are linking Birmingham City with a move for Galatasaray forward Halil Dervisoglu. Journalist Kaya Temel spoke on his YouTube channel said that Blues along with two clubs in the Netherlands are potential suitors.

Dervisoglu was at Brentford from, 2020 to 2023 however he found his playing opportunities limited. The 24-year-old striker played a total of 12 games for the Bees, getting one assist and one goal. The 16-time Turkey international spent last season on loan at Burnley and got one goal in nine games as he partially helped the Clarets to the Championship title.

Dervisoglu returned to Turkey this summer for a reported €500,000 fee, and has this season made 13 appearances where he has scored two goals. He has been limited to just one league start.

In an update on proceedings, Turkish journalist Ertem Sener said: Birmingham City and two different clubs from the Netherlands are interested in Halil Dervişoğlu.

"But Halil's father, Mr. Muzaffer, said in his statement to YouTube Ertem Şener (@mbatuhanagir) last Saturday, "We will not go anywhere, we will join the team and the national team again."

Moore talks

According to The Northern Echo, preliminary talks have been held with Kieffer Moore by Sunderland, Ipswich Town and Cardiff City. Moore has been linked with a move to Birmingham City amongst other clubs, and is likely to leave Bournemouth this month.

Moore cost Bournemouth a reported £3.5m in January 2022 according to the Bournemouth Echo, however he does not feature in Andoni Iraola's plans. He has played for various clubs in the Championship and has 47 goals and 14 assists in 155 games at this level.

Ayling close to Middlesbrough move

Luke Ayling is to end his seven-and-a-half-year stay with Leeds United by joining rivals Middlesbrough. According to various reports including The Athletic a deal has been agred between the two clubs and he will undergo a medical before joining on a loan deal until the end of the season. Ayling is out of contract at Elland Road and once his move to Boro is completed he is likely to have played his last game for the Whites.

Plymouth talk to Leeds United

Plymouth Argyle are in talks with Leeds United over the possible signing of midfielder Darko Gyabi. According to Football Insider, the Pilgrims want to sign Gyabi on loan and are keen to bolster their midfield options after losing Finn Azaz and Luke Cundle this month.

The 19-year-old has been limited to just two senior appearances this season with a 45-minute outing against Shrewsbury Town in the Carabao Cup the most he's played at senior level this term. He has kept himself fit though and has played for their under-21s side in the Premier League 2.