Hull City sweat over the fitness of key man Matt Crooks

Hull City are set to closely monitor the fitness of Matt Crooks and Ryan Giles over the next two days as they prepare for Saturday’s Championship clash away at Blackburn Rovers, with both players carrying injury concerns.

The Tigers’ medical team will reassess the pair within the next 48 hours to determine whether either will be available for selection. Head coach Sergej Jakirovic is eager for positive news, particularly regarding Crooks, who remains a key figure in Hull’s impressive recent run.

Crooks was named among the substitutes during Saturday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Swansea City, a result that lifted Hull back into fourth place in the Championship table. The win capped an outstanding week for the Tigers, leaving them just five points adrift of the automatic promotion places and still holding a game in hand.

Despite being included on the bench, the influential midfielder was not introduced during the second half. Jakirovic opted against taking any risks due to ongoing hamstring trouble that Crooks has been managing in recent matches. With the squad already stretched by injuries, the Hull boss chose caution over necessity.

Crooks’ condition will now be reviewed by club medics, though Jakirovic admitted he has concerns given the scale of Hull’s current injury list, which already stood at nine absentees against Swansea.

“He has an issue with his hamstring, so after the medical assessment we will see,” Jakirovic told Hull Live. “I didn’t want to risk him. We already have many injury problems, so yes, of course I’m concerned. Matt is very important for this team.

“We miss him in every game. With his physical presence, his strength, everything he brings — but we’ll wait and see.”

Meanwhile, Hull are also hopeful that Ryan Giles can edge closer to a return, with the full-back targeting a comeback to training next week. Giles has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury during the Tigers’ victory away at Middlesbrough in late December. While he remains unavailable for now, the signs are encouraging that he is nearing full fitness.

There was more positive news regarding Oli McBurnie, who was substituted during the second half of Saturday’s win after receiving treatment on the back of his leg. Jakirovic played down any serious concerns, confirming the decision to withdraw the striker was purely precautionary.

“I took Oli McBurnie off as a precaution, and Joffy [Joe Gelhardt] as well,” the Hull boss explained, easing fears of further injury setbacks.

However, Hull are set to be without Enis Destan for an extended period after the forward suffered a flare-up of the knee problem he arrived with last summer. Destan is expected to be sidelined for at least the next month as the issue continues to trouble him.

The striker was present in the stands at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, but it is understood he will travel back to Istanbul to undergo specialist treatment. Destan has not featured since Hull’s defeat to Stoke City on New Year’s Day, with the knee injury preventing him from contributing during a crucial stage of the campaign.

With a demanding run of fixtures ahead and Hull firmly in the promotion picture, Jakirovic will be hoping for swift recoveries and minimal further disruption to his squad. The next 48 hours could prove pivotal in determining whether Crooks and Giles can play a role at Ewood Park, as the Tigers look to maintain their momentum and keep pressure on the teams above them in the Championship table.

Wrexham land £19m striker as Ryan Reynolds favourite departs in perfect deadline finish

Wrexham are entering the decisive final stretch of the January transfer window with just over a week remaining to reshape their squad, and the coming days could define the direction of their season.

The deadline for completing business falls at 7pm on Tuesday, February 2, and there is growing expectation that activity will soon accelerate at the Racecourse Ground. The Red Dragons, owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are firmly in the hunt for a Championship play-off place and remain determined to keep their extraordinary rise through the divisions on track.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson could be very busy at the end of the January window(Image: Getty

Club officials have already confirmed that manager Phil Parkinson has been backed financially to strengthen his group as Wrexham chase what would be a remarkable fourth consecutive promotion. Despite that ambition, the club have endured a surprisingly quiet winter window so far, with no new faces arriving, even after spending an eye-catching £33 million during last summer’s recruitment drive.

There have, however, been a couple of departures. Club captain James McClean left to return to his hometown side Derry City, while striker Jake Bickerstaff completed a permanent move to League Two outfit Cheltenham Town. Those exits have trimmed the squad, but they have also increased the urgency for Parkinson to act if Wrexham are to maintain momentum in the promotion race.

Given the club’s lofty aspirations, it would be a major shock if the window closed without at least one addition. Alongside potential incomings, the futures of several players currently on the books also need clarity before the deadline. Wales Online has examined the key areas Wrexham are likely to focus on as the clock ticks down.

Club-record striker deal on the cards

Parkinson has acknowledged that the club are actively engaged in talks with multiple targets, though he has remained deliberately vague when pressed on specific names. His comments have come amid growing reports that Wrexham are considering a stunning club-record move for teenage striker Sidiki Cherif.

The 19-year-old forward, who currently plies his trade with French side Angers, has emerged as one of the most exciting young attacking prospects linked with the Red Dragons. A potential deal, reportedly worth around £19 million in total, would smash Wrexham’s previous transfer record and underline their intent to compete at the very top end of the Championship.

Cherif has already scored four goals in Ligue 1 this season, and his blend of pace, power and finishing ability fits the profile of attacker Wrexham may need to turn narrow draws into vital wins during the second half of the campaign. However, any deal would be far from straightforward, with Premier League side Crystal Palace also believed to be monitoring his situation closely.

Even so, Wrexham’s strong financial backing means such a move cannot be dismissed outright. As the demands of the Championship intensify, relying on momentum alone may not be enough. Adding a forward of Cherif’s calibre could provide the cutting edge required to transform play-off ambition into genuine reality.

Wrexham are reported to be interested in Angers striker Sidiki Cherif(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Finding the right solution for Paul Mullin

Few players are as closely associated with Wrexham’s recent success as Paul Mullin. Once considered untouchable, the striker became the face of the club’s astonishing climb from the National League to the Championship, scoring crucial goals and forging a strong bond with both supporters and owners.

That dynamic began to shift last winter when Parkinson strengthened his attacking options by signing Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez. Mullin subsequently slipped down the pecking order and spent the early part of the current season on loan at Wigan Athletic.

That spell ended earlier than planned, with the League One club opting to terminate the agreement and send the 31-year-old back to north Wales. Mullin has since featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Liverpool, but his long-term role at Wrexham remains uncertain.

With the transfer window entering its final days, a clear decision is required. Another temporary move away appears the most realistic outcome, allowing Mullin to regain regular game time while easing congestion in Wrexham’s attacking department. Time, however, is running short to finalise the next step in his career.

Wrexham striker Paul Mullin is likely to head out on loan again(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Reinforcement at right wing-back

One position where Wrexham are almost certain to strengthen is right wing-back. Manchester City loanee Issa Kabore has impressed when available, providing energy, width and attacking thrust down the flank.

However, his recent injury problems, coupled with his call-up to Burkina Faso’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, have exposed a lack of depth in that area. Parkinson is keen to address the issue before the window shuts.

Swedish youngster Hampus Skoglund, currently with Hammarby IF, has been linked with a move that could offer both short-term cover and long-term potential. Another option under consideration is Sheffield Wednesday’s Yan Valery, with the financially troubled Owls reportedly open to selling players to ease their situation.

Valery’s availability has attracted interest from several clubs, including Rangers, meaning Wrexham would face competition if they decide to pursue a deal. Nonetheless, adding a reliable option on the right side looks increasingly important as fixtures continue to pile up.

Elliot Lee likely to move on

Midfielder Elliot Lee is another player whose future may be resolved before the deadline. A central figure during Wrexham’s rise through the leagues, Lee has found opportunities hard to come by in the Championship and has yet to make a league appearance this season.

Parkinson has already informed the 31-year-old that a loan move is an option, with the player keen to secure regular minutes elsewhere. One proposed transfer recently fell through when a potential destination opted for a different profile of player, but discussions are ongoing.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Yan Valery is said to be of interest to Wrexham(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking about the situation, Parkinson confirmed that Lee is eager to play and that the club are supportive of his wishes. With interest expected from other sides, a temporary exit before the window closes appears increasingly likely.

A defining week ahead

As the deadline approaches, Wrexham find themselves at a crossroads. The foundations of a promotion push are in place, but targeted additions and decisive squad management could make the difference between falling short and achieving something historic once again.

Whether through a headline-grabbing striker signing, key reinforcements in wide areas, or resolving the futures of established names, the final days of the transfer window promise to be pivotal. For Parkinson and his squad, the next week could shape not only this season, but the next chapter of Wrexham’s remarkable journey.

Southampton ace likely to stay despite Premier League interest as £15m teammate eyes exit

Southampton are expected to resist any January approaches for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, despite growing interest from Premier League clubs, according to reports from Football League World.

The Saints entered the 2025–26 campaign hoping to be firmly involved in the Championship promotion picture following their relegation from the Premier League last season. However, those ambitions have yet to materialise, with the club enduring a frustrating and underwhelming league campaign so far.

A much-needed 1–0 victory over Sheffield United at St Mary’s on Wednesday night brought an end to a seven-match winless run in the league. While the result provided some relief, it only lifted Southampton to 15th place in the table, leaving them with significant work to do if they are to push towards the playoff positions in the second half of the season.

Head coach Tonda Eckert and the club’s hierarchy understand that a strong run of form is essential if they are to revive their promotion hopes. As a result, retaining key players during the January transfer window is viewed as critical, particularly those who could attract interest from higher up the football pyramid.

One such player is Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Despite Southampton’s struggles, the 23-year-old centre-back has continued to attract attention from Premier League sides. Football League World reports that several top-flight clubs have been monitoring the England international’s performances closely throughout the season.

Although interest is growing, the current expectation is that Harwood-Bellis will remain on the south coast until at least the summer. Southampton are believed to be unwilling to sanction a mid-season departure, especially with promotion still mathematically possible. However, should the Saints fail to secure a return to the Premier League by the end of the campaign, they could face a difficult battle to keep hold of the defender beyond May.

Harwood-Bellis initially joined Southampton from Manchester City on loan in the summer of 2023, with the deal including a £20 million obligation to buy. That clause was triggered when Saints secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, defeating Leeds United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.

The defender played a key role in that promotion campaign, but life in the top flight proved far more challenging. Southampton endured a difficult Premier League season, finishing with just 12 points, and Harwood-Bellis, like many of his teammates, found it hard to cope with the demands of elite-level football.

Defensive issues have persisted this season, with Saints conceding 40 goals in 28 Championship matches. Despite that, Harwood-Bellis has remained a regular figure in the starting XI, featuring in 23 league games so far. Wednesday night’s clean sheet against Sheffield United offered a welcome boost, particularly ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated south coast derby against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

While Harwood-Bellis appears set to stay put for now, uncertainty surrounds the future of striker Adam Armstrong. Reports suggest the forward is weighing up his options ahead of the January transfer deadline on February 2.

Journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that Armstrong, currently the Championship’s leading goalscorer, is considering whether it is time to pursue a new challenge away from St Mary’s. The 28-year-old is said to be open to a move and is assessing his next steps after spending his entire professional career in England.

Armstrong joined Southampton from Blackburn Rovers in 2021 for a fee believed to be around £15 million. He has been a standout performer during the club’s two Championship campaigns, consistently delivering goals at this level.

However, the striker has struggled to replicate that form in the Premier League, finding it difficult to score regularly against top-flight opposition. That limitation has raised questions about his long-term role at the club, particularly if Southampton remain outside the promotion places.

Armstrong’s situation has been further complicated by recent team selections. He has started just one of Southampton’s last three matches, with his most recent goals coming in the dramatic 3–2 victory over West Bromwich Albion on December 9.

Despite the speculation, Armstrong will be hoping to reclaim his place in the starting lineup for Sunday’s derby against Portsmouth, a fixture that could prove pivotal for both the club’s season and his immediate future.

As the transfer window progresses, Southampton face important decisions. Keeping Harwood-Bellis could be vital to any late promotion push, while Armstrong’s potential departure would signal a significant shift in the squad’s makeup. The coming weeks may define not only the remainder of the season, but also the club’s direction moving forward.

Birmingham City splash major cash to land fourth winter arrival

Birmingham City have continued their aggressive January recruitment by completing the signing of Danish striker August Priske, making him their fourth addition of the winter transfer window.

The Blues have finalised a deal with Swedish outfit Djurgårdens IF, agreeing a fee believed to be in the region of £6 million to secure the highly rated forward. Priske has committed his future to the club by signing a five-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at St Andrew’s until the summer of 2031.

Birmingham City have signed striker August Priske

At just 21 years old, Priske arrives with a growing reputation after an outstanding season in Sweden. He finished as top scorer in the Allsvenskan, netting 18 goals in 27 league appearances, and played a key role in Djurgårdens’ impressive domestic campaign. His transfer represents the second-largest sale in the Swedish club’s history, surpassed only by Lucas Bergvall’s move to Tottenham Hotspur 18 months ago.

Birmingham faced stiff competition from clubs across Europe to land the striker but ultimately won the race, underlining their ambition and willingness to invest heavily in the squad. The club’s hierarchy are hopeful Priske can adapt quickly and make an immediate impact in the Championship, where goals remain crucial as the season enters its decisive phase.

Head coach Chris Davies had been keen to add another option at centre-forward, and Priske fits the brief both physically and stylistically. Standing at 6ft 4in, the Danish forward offers a different profile to Birmingham’s existing attacking options and provides a strong alternative to Marvin Ducksch and Kyogo Furuhashi. His presence is expected to add variety to the Blues’ attacking approach, particularly against deep or physical opposition.

Priske is no stranger to the international stage either, having represented Denmark up to under-21 level. He also brings experience of European competition, featuring for Djurgårdens during their memorable run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals last season, where they were eventually eliminated by Chelsea, the tournament’s eventual winners.

The striker becomes the latest arrival in what has been a busy and productive January for Birmingham City. He follows Kai Wagner, Jhon Solis, and Ibrahim Osman through the door, further strengthening a squad that is clearly being reshaped with both the present and future in mind.

With the transfer window still open, Birmingham’s recruitment so far signals serious intent, as the club look to build momentum and push on in the second half of the campaign. Priske’s signing, in particular, stands out as a long-term investment with the potential to deliver immediate rewards if he can translate his prolific scoring form to English football.

The BirminghamLive football team will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Blues, with reporters Alex Dicken and Brian Dick following the club closely across matches, press conferences, and all key transfer developments.

Birmingham City near shock loan move for £16m Premier League attacker

Birmingham City are reportedly close to signing Brighton & Hove Albion winger Ibrahim Osman on loan. | Getty Images

Birmingham City are reportedly close to completing a somewhat unexpected loan move for a Premier League attacker, with Brighton & Hove Albion winger Ibrahim Osman set to join the Championship side for the remainder of the season.

According to the latest reports, Birmingham and Brighton have reached an agreement over a six-month loan deal that would see the highly rated but still unproven winger arrive at St Andrew’s. The Blues have been keen to strengthen their wide options during the January window, particularly following the departure of Keshi Anderson, and attention has now firmly shifted towards the loan market.

Birmingham had previously attempted to sign Mjällby forward Abdoulie Manneh, but that deal collapsed late on, forcing the club to reassess its options. Turning to Premier League loans has proven effective in the past, most notably with the summer arrival of Patrick Roberts from Sunderland, although such moves inevitably come with an element of risk.

Osman fits that description. While he remains a player of considerable potential, he has yet to establish himself at the highest level and is still regarded as a raw prospect. Despite Brighton’s significant investment in him, he has not yet made a competitive senior appearance for the Seagulls.

A report from The Brighton Base claims Birmingham are “closing in” on securing Osman’s services, with Brighton set to terminate his current loan spell at French side Auxerre before sanctioning a move to the Championship. Auxerre had included an option to buy in their loan agreement, but that clause now appears unlikely to be activated.

The Ghana international joined Brighton in 2024 after a standout period in Denmark with Nordsjaelland, a move that reportedly cost the Premier League club around £16 million. However, his transition to English football has not been straightforward. Last season, Osman spent time on loan at Feyenoord, where he was mostly used as an impact substitute. A similar pattern has followed him in Ligue 1, with limited starts and opportunities to build momentum.

Despite those setbacks, Birmingham will believe there is untapped quality waiting to be unlocked. Osman is comfortable operating on either wing and can also fill in as a central forward if required. That positional flexibility could be particularly valuable for head coach Chris Davies, offering tactical options and added depth in attacking areas.

In addition to his versatility, Osman’s pace and physicality suggest he has the tools to influence games quickly, something Birmingham have occasionally lacked in wide positions. The hope will be that regular minutes in the Championship provide the platform he needs to rediscover confidence and rhythm.

Questions remain about why Osman has yet to fully deliver on his promise since leaving Denmark, but such uncertainty is often part of loan deals involving Premier League clubs. For Birmingham, the gamble lies in whether they can provide the right environment for the winger to flourish.

The Blues will also be mindful of recent mixed experiences with Brighton loanees. Defender Eiran Cashin struggled for game time before being recalled earlier this month, while goalkeeper James Beadle has enjoyed far greater success, cementing himself as the club’s first-choice keeper ahead of Ryan Allsop.

As negotiations continue, Birmingham supporters will be watching closely. Whether Osman proves to be a shrewd addition or another short-term experiment remains to be seen, but the potential upside makes this a deal worth monitoring as the transfer window progresses.