West Brom and Birmingham City boosted as Championship rivals punished by EFL

Sky Bet Championship club Sheffield United have been placed under a transfer embargo as the EFL investigates claims of non-payment of historical transfer fees, it has been revealed this morning. A report from our sister publication, The Sheffield Star, states the Blades are blocked from making any new signings in the January transfer window.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side were reportedly keen on bringing in a new forward this month to bolster their chances of automatic promotion, but they will no longer be able to put pen to paper with any fresh recruits. Signings can only be made once the embargo has been lifted.

This news could well boost West Midlands teams West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City with their own ambitions, with the Baggies particularly likely to be impacted positively. Carlos Corberan has taken Albion from being relegation battlers to potential promotion contenders in the space of just a few months and Sheffield United are now within their sights - just about.

There are still 13 points between the two sides after 27 matches played, but if the Blades, who are currently in second, were to be hit with any big injury issues toward the end of the season, they could soon plummet. The Baggies still need to travel to Bramall Lane in March, too, meaning they can close the gap even further at that stage.

Blues could also feel the impact of Sheffield United’s punishment, albeit less so, as they take on Heckingbottom’s team at St Andrew’s on the final day of the season. In other news, West Brom have been urged to re-sign £16 million star as a free agent, while Birmingham City are in a dilemma over a loan player.