Exclusive: The truth behind Birmingham City moving for Dele Alli and Jay Stansfield's current situation | OneFootball

Blues may not be missing Stansfield for too long, whilst clarity has been offered on free agent Alli

Birmingham City striker Jay Stansfield’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared - and he’s racing to be fit for their next Championship game, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

Blues have got off to somewhat of a mixed start back in the second tier, with wins away at Blackburn Rovers and at home to Oxford United being bookended by an opening weekend draw with Ipswich Town and a disappointing defeat last time out to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

One player who was absent in the 2-0 defeat to the Foxes was record signing Stansfield, who had started the campaign with three goals in all competitions - his return though could be nearing.

Jay Stansfield injury update emerges ahead of Birmingham City's clash with Stoke City next weekend

The England Under-21 international suffered a knock to his ankle after making a block tackle during the defeat against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

He was immediately sent for a scan and was seen hobbling around the club’s training base at Henley-in-Arden in a protective boot.

Head coach Davies feared the issue may be long-term, but the good news for supporters is that he is now hoping to recover in time for the trip up the M6 to face Stoke City next weekend.

The fear was that the former Fulham man had damaged ligaments in his ankle, but medics have shown there is no long-term damage.

However, it was sufficiently sore to keep him out of the 2-0 defeat to Leicester City at the weekend.

Another player who will be available is Marvin Ducksch who made an appearance for the first half of the Carabao Cup reversal against the Valiants.

The former Germany international has been struggling to shake off a muscle problem suffered during the first week of pre-season training with Werder Bremen.

Boss Davies confirmed that he would be undergoing a ‘small rehabilitation programme’ during the two-week international break as he needs to get up to speed with the remainder of Birmingham’s first-team squad.

Ducksch showed flashes during the opening period against Darren Moore’s side to suggest that he will be an asset but, given the length of time that his problem has now taken to heal, the Blues’ chief will not want to rush him back.

Birmingham City address Dele Alli speculation as ex-England man becomes free agent

Elsewhere, there appears to be no substance to the rumours sweeping social media that Dele Alli is set for a move to St. Andrew’s.

The former England international is a free agent after leaving his latest club, Como, playing just once under Cesc Fabregas last season after his arrival in January 2025.

Now 29 years of age, Alli hadn't played a professional match for over two years prior to his Como debut, with February 2023 being his last outing in his loan spell with Besiktas.

Speculation centred on Davies making a move for the playmaker, but sources close to the club have insisted there is no deal in the offing for the ex-MK Dons and Tottenham man, who will have to try and re-ignite his past glories elsewhere.