Birmingham City transfer boost as Swansea hit ‘snag’ and Troy Deeney poised for surprise League Two move

Birmingham City could still yet sign Chelsea starlet Bashir Humphreys, after his proposed move to Swansea City stalled.

It was reported by the BBC last week that the Swans were ‘closing in’ on the signing of Humphreys from the Blues. Transfer journalist Darren Witcoop claimed that Humphreys had been on the radar of Blues and Ipswich Town before a move to South Wales looked the most likeliest.

An update from WalesOnline however claims that the Swans have hit a ‘snag’ in their pursuit of the centre-back. The Welsh side had been confident in landing Humphreys, but Chelsea have still not green lit his departure, and it could mean that Swansea could now ‘pursue other targets’.

The West London club wanted to extend his contract, and entered talks with the 20-year-old. It is unsure however whether he could be a part of Mauricio Pocchetino’s plans this season. He has not been given a first-team squad number that would hint at a loan move away but impressive performances in pre-season could mean he remains a player at Stamford Bridge.

Should Chelsea make a decision to loan him out, the lack of confirmation about his proposed move to Swansea, could however open the door to Blues to plead their case to Chelsea that St Andrews is where he could develop best. Birmingham are not the only club interested in him with Stoke City keen, as well as Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.

In other news, it has been reported by both the Real EFL and The 72 that Forest Green Rovers are 'lining up' a move for Troy Deeney, who is a free agent after leaving Birmingham this summer. The 35-year-old played 33 times in the league last year with seven goals and an assist, and now having not found a club before the start of the season, could have a route back into football, having recently spent time out of the game as a pundit.

When asked about a potential move after Deeney was spotted at The New Lawn, FGR boss David Horseman said: “He’s a good friend of mine, we’ll see what happens. He was complimentary of our style,”