Chris Davies has expressed confidence that the Blues squad will look a lot stronger by the end of the transfer window.
At present, Blues are down on numbers having allowed five players to exit – Dion Sanderson, Emil Hansson, Eiran Cashin, Keshi Anderson and Lyndon Dykes.
Since Kai Wagner’s signing, Blues and Davies have endured frustration in the market with Mjällby attacker Abdoulie Manneh’s transfer dramatically biting the dust.
However, Blues on Saturday completed the loan signing of midfielder Jhon Solis from Girona and Davies has Alfie Chang back from loan to Bristol Rovers, but there remains a definite need for reinforcements.
The release of Anderson by mutual consent and shipping out of Dykes to Charlton Athletic spotlighted in particular wide and front positions.
With Demarai Gray out and Jay Stansfield battling injury, Blues have deferred a decision on the future of Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas because they are so light at present.
Davies commented: “With that position, with Keshi going, you are looking for someone to come in and replace that in the squad. That would definitely be one.
“I think another forward player would also be useful to give us more firepower, whether it’s someone who can play inside or outside, one or the other. We’re looking at options there and I’ve identified a few players.
“Eiran Cashin has gone back so we’ve obviously got to look at that area of the pitch as well.
“I wouldn’t put a number on it but a few players is what we need to strengthen the squad. We want to come out of it a better squad and team than we looked going in and I’m hopeful we can do that.”
Significantly, Davies admitted that Blues were intent on boosting strength and power. Solis is a big unit.
“We want to improve the physicality of the squad. We see how physical and demanding the Championship is and that’s an area we have looked to identify and hopefully we can see that with the players coming in.”
The manager said that Blues were also taking stock for the longer term, not least with players who wanted more action.
“From our point of view, we are trying to mould the squad to what’s best for the rest of this season and beyond.
“I think there’s players that want to play and have that opportunity to play more. We are trying to look at everything and see what we need.
“We’re not far away with players that are hopefully coming in so I don’t think there’ll be a big change.
“What we won’t be by the end of January is short of numbers. We will have covered those positions, it’s just in the interim period.”
