Birmingham City 'target' released after falling out of favour at Championship club

The 25-year-old joined Blues in January on a six-month deal with the view to a permanent move but there have been several complications. Tony Mowbray’s unexpected leave through illness hasn’t helped Dozzell’s case as the manager played a key role to bringing him to St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park in the first place.

Since Mowbray took a step away, Dozzell has been out of sorts at Blues. Mark Venus eased the midfielder out of the starting lineup, while Gary Rowett preferred utilising the likes of Ivan Sunjic, Paik Seung-ho and Jordan James in a double pivot.

In total, Dozzell featured just 10 times for Blues on loan, making him rather a failed signing. He started well, though, as he scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over John Eustace’s Blackburn Rovers.

The relegation to League One might increase Dozzell’s chances of being wanted by Birmingham for a permanent transfer but the decisive factor is probably whether or not Mowbray returns.

If the 60-year-old head coach does come back, he’s bound to want to reunite with his priority target. But if Mowbray steps away for good, it’ll then be up to the new manager who comes in – and they might have different options in mind.

As it is, Dozzell will officially become a free agent on June 30, giving potential suitors free reign to enter contract negotiations. The former Ipswich Town man made 98 appearances for QPR, scoring twice. In a club statement, the Rs revealed financial issues meant there was no choice but to release him.

“CEO Christian Nourry said: “Andre played an important role for the football club in the first half of the season and we will be forever grateful for the contributions he made.

“A difficult decision was made in January, linked to the club’s financial realities and other market priorities, in a move that was additionally designed to afford Andre more starting football. We wish him all the very best for the future.”