Birmingham City have received a significant transfer setback as their pursuit of Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles appears to have been thwarted by Championship rivals Leicester City.
Leicester Given Green Light for Lascelles Talks
According to reports from Sky Sports, Newcastle United have granted permission for their experienced centre-back Jamaal Lascelles to enter discussions with Leicester City regarding a potential move to the King Power Stadium. This development represents a substantial blow to Birmingham City, who had been monitoring the 32-year-old defender's situation closely.
The Sky Sports report states: "Lascelles has been given permission by Newcastle to discuss a substantive move to King Power Stadium. The 32-year-old has had limited game time in the north east and is out of contract in the summer."
Birmingham's Defensive Search Continues
With Lascelles now seemingly destined for Leicester rather than St Andrew's, Birmingham City's management team must intensify their efforts to secure defensive reinforcements before the transfer deadline passes. The club had identified the experienced Newcastle captain as a potential solution to their defensive requirements but must now explore alternative options.
Portuguese outlet Cabin Desportiva has linked Birmingham City with a move for Jonathan Panzo, the 25-year-old centre-back currently playing for Rio Ave in Portugal's top division. Panzo represents a different profile to Lascelles, being younger and left-footed, which could help restore balance to Birmingham's defensive options following Eiran Cashin's recent departure from the squad.
Panzo's Championship Pedigree
The former England youth international brings valuable Championship experience to the table, having previously featured for both Coventry City and Cardiff City in England's second tier. His move to Portuguese football came last year when he joined Rio Ave, initially on loan from Nottingham Forest before the arrangement became permanent during the summer transfer window.
This season, Panzo has established himself as a regular starter for Rio Ave, making 14 appearances in the Primeira Liga and demonstrating his capabilities at a competitive European level. His left-footedness offers tactical flexibility that Birmingham's coaching staff are reportedly keen to incorporate into their defensive setup.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Birmingham City's recruitment team face increased pressure to deliver suitable defensive reinforcements. The failed pursuit of Lascelles highlights the competitive nature of Championship recruitment, with established clubs like Leicester often holding significant advantages in attracting experienced players.
The coming hours will prove crucial for Birmingham's transfer business as they seek to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the Championship campaign. While Lascelles appears to be heading elsewhere, the potential acquisition of Panzo or alternative defensive targets could still provide the necessary quality to bolster Birmingham's backline options.
