12 Jay Stansfield upgrades Tom Wagner could actually sign for Birmingham City | OneFootball

The Blues will be looking to strengthen this summer ahead of a Premier League push.

Birmingham City spent substantially to bring Jay Stansfield to the club, and he proved his worth in no time, firing the Blues back to the Championship at the first attempt.

Many predicted that, given their financial strength, Chris Davies' side would secure back-to-back promotions, and while they had an encouraging campaign, they fell just short.

As for Stansfield, he had a respectable season, bagging 10 league goals and six assists, but he fell significantly short of the 19 he managed in League One last term.

Given that Birmingham will be eyeing promotion next campaign, they will surely be looking to land an upgrade on their number 28, but who should they be targeting?

Wilson Isidor

Wilson Isidor started the Premier League season in fine fettle, notching four goals in his first nine appearances, but has since just scored one, leading to rumours that he may be on his way out of Sunderland this summer.

Brian Brobbey has made the number nine position his own and is unlikely to be dethroned, while the Black Cats are likely to strengthen a position that has not reaped enough goals.

The Haiti international delivered some stunning displays in the Championship last campaign, scoring 12, while his composure in one-on-ones is impressive.

Sunderland would be looking to make a profit on the reported £3.5 million they paid for him last year.

Zan Vipotnik

If Birmingham wants goals, then look no further than the Championship's top goalscorer, Zan Vipotnik.

This one certainly falls into the more audacious category, given that his 23 goals will likely garner interest from the Premier League and beyond, but the Blues could surely try to lure him with their finances.

What sets the West Midlands club apart from most is their ambition, and if they could sell their project to the Slovenian, then he could be the man to lead them to the top flight.

Joel Piroe

Joel Piroe will surely be leaving Leeds United this summer, given his lack of game time, and considering his record in the second tier, Birmingham would be foolish not to consider him.

The Suriname international bagged 19 goals in the Championship last season, earning him the Golden Boot, but he has found opportunities sparse in the wake of Dominic Calvert-Lewin's arrival at Elland Road.

However, with Rangers and Middlesbrough already linked with Piroe's services, Tom Wagner may have to act fast to convince him to move to St Andrew's @ Kinghtshead Park.

Will Lankshear

Will Lankshear is certainly one to watch this summer, but much will depend on Tottenham Hotspur's league status come the end of the campaign.

The 21-year-old has been on loan at relegated Oxford United and managed to find the back of the net 11 times in the Championship despite his side's struggles.

If Spurs are relegated, then they may decide to retain him, but he is a player worth looking at, especially given his development and high ceiling.

Paul Onuachu

Paul Onuachu struggled to make an impact for Southampton in the Premier League, but his performances in Turkey have been turning heads.

The Nigeria international has scored a stunning 22 league goals for Trabzonspor, rediscovering the form that saw the Saints sign him in 2023 for £18 million plus add-ons.

At 31, he is clearly not considered one for the future, but he would surely be regarded as a coup for any Championship side.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Taiwo Awoniyi has suffered an injury-ravaged time at Nottingham Forest, but he has shown enough quality to prove that he would be a worthwhile addition for any Championship club.

The Nigerian netted 10 times during his first season in the Premier League to keep the Tricky Trees afloat, but he has since fallen down the pecking order behind Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.

He recently showed everyone his quality against Chelsea, but whether the forward would move to a second-tier team remains to be seen. However, at Birmingham, he would have the perfect platform to rediscover his scoring boots.

Eliezer Mayenda

Another striker who will likely be allowed to leave Sunderland this summer is Eliezer Mayenda, although it is likely that the Wearsiders would be seeking a loan deal.

The Spain under-21 international has found opportunities hard to come by in the Premier League, but given his tender years and potential, a move to the Championship seems ideal.

Mayneda bagged the equaliser in the play-off final against Sheffield United and is extremely versatile as he could play across the front three.

Callum Wilson

Callum Wilson certainly sees himself as a Premier League striker, but given that he is out of contract this summer, there is a possibility he could be forced into a Championship move.

The 34-year-old has shown that he still has the ability in the top flight, having scored six vital goals for West Ham, but it is unknown whether a top-flight club would take a punt on him if he became available.

It was rumoured that Wilson would leave the London Stadium during the winter window, but he stayed, and while he would certainly be an upgrade on Stansfield, there is a niggling feeling that Coventry City could try to prize him back amid their promotion.

Ellis Simms

With Coventry promoted, Frank Lampard's side will certainly be looking to strengthen this summer, meaning that there is every chance they could make additions in forward areas.

The Sky Blues have some credible options up top, including Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms, and the latter would be worth looking at if he falls further down the pecking order.

Simms scored 13 league goals this season, which is not bad considering a bulk of his appearances have come from the bench, and he has delivered encouraging numbers for the Sky Blues and during his time with Sunderland.

Dom Ballard

One League One talent who is sure to attract interest from the Championship is Leyton Orient forward Dom Ballard, who has scored an impressive 23 league goals for the third-tier strugglers.

While Orient narrowly avoided relegation to League Two, the 21-year-old would surely offer good value, and that should appeal to the Blues.