Leicester City have withdrawn from the race to secure the services of Birmingham City’s Martin Taylor leaving the defender with a potential alternative of returning to the north east with Championship pace-setters Newcastle United.

 

Taylor did not fly out with his team-mates to Malta to concentrate on discussing his future with interested parties and appears to fit the bill as far as the Geordies are concerned. With their promotion push in full swing, strengthening their squad before the final run in is a priority for boss Chris Hughton.

Blues second youngest ever player Jordon Mutch has left to join Doncaster Rovers on loan. He has recently returned from a similar deal at Hereford United and manager Aex McLeish feels that the midfielder will benefit from obtaining first team experience elsewhere.

One player on his way in to St Andrews is Aston Villa midfielder Graig Gardner who joins City for £3M after completing his medical. He joins as Birmingham enjoy one of their best top flight runs in recent years. 15 games unbeaten and approaching a game at Stamford Bridge, it is no wonder McLeish is happy but he retains a cautious note. “Nothing’s been achieved yet,” he said. “I have got to keep stressing that. We have changed a few people’s opinions about us and we have surprised a few people. But we know that there are tough games ahead.”