Liverpool striker features: 3 perfect PL loan signings Birmingham City should already be eyeing | OneFootball

Birmingham City are preparing for life in League One, after a disappointing campaign that saw them relegated on the final day.

It was meant to be a season of optimism for Blues, who had started so well under John Eustace, and they were delighted that Tom Wagner and his American group had bought the club.

However, the bold decision to appoint Wayne Rooney backfired, and it was the start of a downward spiral even though the England legend was dismissed and replaced by Tony Mowbray initially, before Gary Rowett stepped in after the ex-Sunderland chief suffered with illness.

Ultimately, the Blues would go down to the third tier for the first time in 30 years, and there will be an expectation that they should bounce back straight away.

Birmingham City’s summer transfer plans

Now, attention will turn to next season, and, as is the case for most relegated sides, there will be a high turnover of players at St. Andrew’s in the summer.

Some will have to move on to balance the books, whilst the club will surely welcome the chance to reset and bring in some new recruits.

With that in mind, the loan market could be key, and here we look at THREE temporary deals that Blues could do from Premier League clubs to strengthen their squad…

Will Dennis - AFC Bournemouth

Bringing in a new number one is sure to be a priority this summer, with John Ruddy and Neil Etheridge expected to depart when their deals expire.

One player who could be a shrewd addition is Will Dennis.

The 23-year-old is contracted to Bournemouth, but he is way down the pecking order with the Cherries, so he was sent out on loan to Kilmarnock this season.

It’s been a great move for the stopper, as he has been a regular for Derek McInnes’ side in what has been a memorable campaign.

Kilmarnock are set to finish fourth in the Scottish Premiership, which will bring European football, and it’s their defensive record which has been the foundation for their success.

So, they will no doubt want to bring Dennis back, but Bournemouth may want the keeper to test himself in English football, and he would be a good fit for Blues.

Joe Hodge - Wolves

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international is contracted to Wolves, but he is another struggling for first-team football, and that situation is unlikely to change next season.

There are some who rate Hodge highly at Molineux, with the 21-year-old a midfielder who is comfortable in possession and has bite to his game.

But, a loan move to QPR in January didn’t go to plan, as Hodge couldn’t force his way into Marti Cifuentes’ starting 11 on a consistent basis.

That will be hugely frustrating for Hodge, who has gone on record about wanting to play regularly as he looks to fulfil his potential.

Therefore, another temporary switch is likely to be on the cards, and he could be exactly what Blues need with Ivan Sunjic's contract expiring - Hodge could become a quality player in League One with how he controls the play and helps set the tempo.

Jayden Danns - Liverpool

A number of injuries at Liverpool this season presented several youngsters with a chance to play in the first-team, and attacker Jayden Danns was one who stood out, as he helped them to win the EFL Cup.

Of course, as the attacking players have returned to fitness, Danns is no longer in the picture, and that’s unlikely to change when Jürgen Klopp departs.

Having had a taste of first-team football, the next stage of his development could be a loan, and Danns could flourish at Blues, which is a club his Dad Neil spent time with.

Despite his age, the 18-year-old has the physicality to cope with League One, and he is a player with outstanding technical ability, and he is another who could quickly become a star man in the third tier.