Blues boss Paul Jewell has revealed that he asked Sunderland boss Steve Bruce whether former Blue Connor Wickham might be available for loan. The 18-year-old joined the Black Cats earlier in the summer for an initial fee of £8.1 million rising to more than £12 million with top-ups.
Jewell said: "I spoke with Steve the other day and we were chatting about various things. I thought he probably needed another year in the Championship and I said to Steve if they wanted to loan him back, we would take him. He, very cleverly, went on to another subject.
"I said to Steve I thought he needed another year in the Championship and then we’ll see if he is ready to make the step up.
"They bought him and he hasn’t played but he might catch fire. He has certainly got the attributes and he is a man in body. But, football-wise, he is a boy.”
Wickham, who is currently away with the England U21s, has so far made only three sub appearances for his new club and his immediate chances may be reduced further if the Black Cats sign another striker.
The Town boss said yesterday that he is looking for three more signings either before the transfer window closes at 11pm today or when clubs are able to take players on loan in a week’s time.