Breaking: Birmingham City launch shock record-breaking bid for Premier League striker

Birmingham are attempting a sensational deadline day swoop for Stansfield, who last season claimed all the individual awards during a stellar loan at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The striker recently returned to Birmingham in Fulham colours as the Cottagers won 2-0 in the Carabao Cup. Stansfield scored on the night and was cheered by the thousands of Blues fans in attendance.

After the game, Fulham boss Marco Silva effectively ruled out a return to Birmingham for Stansfield as he revealed his intention to reward the attacker with minutes in the Premier League. Now, though, that scenario has been blitzed by a huge update.

The Telegraph reports Birmingham have launched an official bid of around £9-10 million to land Stansfield permanently. Blues are trying to seal the deal before tonight’s 11pm deadline and if they are successful, it will be by far the most expensive transfer in League One history.

Stansfield, a fan favourite throughout his first stay in Birmingham, contributed 12 goals and two assists in 43 Championship appearances last campaign. Before that, the striker netted nine goals and made seven assists in 36 League One matches on loan at Exeter City.

The 21-year-old has only played 10 times at a senior level for Fulham but that number was set to increase this term. Birmingham have left it late but there’s a chance Stansfield, always the dream summer signing, could be completed on the final day of the window.