Birmingham City loanee set for transfer after departure confirmed

Birmingham City had Andre Dozzell on a loan deal last season but he was released by QPR and is wanted on a free transfer by Sheffield United

Andre Dozzell, the midfielder who spent the second half of last season on loan at Birmingham City, is being targeted by Championship side Sheffield United after he was released by Queens Park Rangers and given a free transfer.

Dozzell’s arrival at St Andrew’s last winter, on loan from QPR, ended a five-year pursuit of the midfielder by then Blues manager Tony Mowbray, who briefly played with Dozzell’s father Jason at Ipswich Town during their playing days. Following the installation of Gary Rowett as the club’s interim manager, Dozzell fell out of favour.

The 25-year-old, who was out of contract at the end of the season at Loftus Road and consequently released, made 10 appearances for Blues and scored the winner against Blackburn Rovers in February, but he didn’t feature again after the club’s Easter Monday win over Preston North End under Rowett.

Dozzell now has been linked with a move to the Blades, who are rebuilding under Chris Wilder following a dismal end to their Premier League campaign which resulted in relegation and an immediate return to the Championship; they’ve already snared Callum O’Hare on a free transfer after he left Coventry City, and have added Jamie Shackleton, Sam McCallum and Kieffer Moore on frees, too.

Dozzell could potentially be the latest freebie to pitch up at Bramall Lane, according to the Sun. He was one of five loanees who joined Blues last year including Cody Drameh, who has been offered the chance to stay at Leeds United, Oliver Burke, Jay Stansfield and Emanuel Aiwu.

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