It’s the final countdown: Summer transfer roundup

Written by Dan on August 31, 2011

It’s a little over 10 hours to go before the rumour mongers and speculation, erm, spasmos take themselves a much needed break. At least for a fortnight or so, then they’ll be back with a vengeance, leading all the way up to the perennially underwhelming January window.

Until then, I thought I’d summarise this summer’s movements to date, borrowing from the transfers page, and throw in anything that happens during the course of this afternoon and evening. And by that I mean actually happen, or at least have credible sources claiming it was genuinely attempted. If you’re looking for sightings at BHX, you’ll be disappointed. Sorry.

(For the purposes of perspective, the players shown in red italics played absolutely zero part in last season and very little in the seasons that preceded it. Additionally, Carew, Hogg, Makoun and Pires all played limited parts in last season.)

OUT IN
Brad Friedel Shay Given
Stewart Downing Charles N’Zogbia
Ashley Young Enda Stevens (will join in January)
Nigel Reo-Coker Alan Hutton
Luke Young Jermaine Jenas (Season long loan)
John Carew
Jonathan Hogg
Jean II Makoun (loan)
Robert Pires
Moustapha Salifou
Isaiah Osbourne
Arsenio Halfhuid
Harry Forrester
Durrell Berry
Ellis Deeney
Calum Flanagan

The Done Deals

Enda Stevens is a 21 year old left back/central defender at Shamrock Rovers and is at Bodymoor Heath today to sign on the dotted line. He won’t be staying though, he’ll return to Ireland to help Rovers in their Europa League campaign and will return to Birmingham in January.

This is yet to be officially confirmed, but it’s about the worst kept secret in Birmingham at the moment. Confirmed.

The Possibles

I’ll add to this list during the day as credible names emerge, but only credible ones. If and when the deals get done, I’ll move them up to the section above.

Alan Hutton is the natural replacement for Luke Young based on persistent rumours, but word on this one does seem to have quietened recently. Calm before the storm, perhaps.

Hutton has left the Scotland training camp and is said to be travelling to Bodymoor, but a bid from Fulham is confusing the picture a little.

The club have confirmed that both Hutton and Jenas are at Bodymoor for medicals.

Joe Cole was in Lille to sign on loan, but then word emerged of a possible late “swoop” by Villa, only for him to sign for Lille as planned. One for the cameras this one I think, if you catch my drift.

Guy Demel is a right back/defensive midfielder currently out of favour at Hamburg. He’s been described as being in “advanced talks with Villa” by reliable sources in Germany. Possibly hedging on Hutton.

This one won’t happen; wages being the issue.

Jermaine Jenas was mentioned earlier today, many times, but there didn’t seem very much in it. Now it does sound as if the two clubs are talking about a possible loan deal.

Like Hutton, Jenas is now also said to be heading to Bodymoor for a medical.

The club have confirmed that both Hutton and Jenas are at Bodymoor for medicals.

To be continued…