Birmingham City have announced the signing of Fulham striker Jay Stansfield on a season-long loan deal.

Sky Bet Championship rivals Sunderland were said to be in talks but Blues have beaten the Black Cats to the 20-year-old’s signature.

Stansfield, who has been part of the Fulham setup since July 2020, went back to his boyhood club Exeter City on loan last season.

With nine goals and seven assists to his name in 36 League One appearances in 2022/23, the striker made a case to be ready to move up a division.

Speaking to BluesTV after signing for Birmingham, Stansfield said: “I am buzzing. It has been a long time coming.

“I have been in contact with a lot of people in the last three or four weeks and I made the decision to come here.

“It is a very family club and I can’t wait to get started.”