'Unlikely' Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest transfer claim made

The prospect of Lyle Taylor returning to Birmingham City on a permanent basis is ‘unlikely’. That’s according to The Athletic who claim the Nottingham Forest striker’s wages ‘are simply out of Birmingham’s reach’.

The 32-year-old has done well since his January move across the Midlands. Five goals in 13 starts – three in his first four games – combined with a series of impressive displays have made him Lee Bowyer’s first choice striker, propelling him ahead of the likes of Scott Hogan, Troy Deeney and Lukas Jutkiewicz.

However, Blues finish their season against Blackburn Rovers this weekend, after which Taylor is due to return to the City Ground. They will do so against a backdrop of uncertainty about Bowyer’s position, with the head coach set for a meeting with the club’s hierarchy on Monday.

Bowyer had hoped his relationship with Taylor could prove a useful variable in any negotiations – with Blues having claimed they had reached out to Forest as early as February. However, circumstances seem to have changed at St Andrew’s.

In addition EFL regulations mean Taylor will not be able to participate in Forest’s play-off campaign, with Steve Cooper’s men having missed out on automatic promotion. They are guaranteed a top six finish whatever the outcome of their trip to Hull City for the season finale.

As things stand Blues will have Deeney under contract for one year, with Jutkiewicz and Hogan on the books for another couple of seasons. Rookie Josh Andrews, whose option has been triggered, will come back into the fold for pre-season, as will Sam Cosgrove who has spent the season in League One with Shrewsbury Town and AFC Wimbledon, scoring three times in 37 games.