Portsmouth ready to make exciting January window move for Birmingham's Steve Seddon

Kenny Jackett wants the hugely-popular left-back back at Fratton Park to fill the void created by Cam Pring’s Bristol City recall.

But the nature of Seddon’s switch could throw a spanner in the works of a January return for the 23-year-old.

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News Pompey are planning a move for the man who made such an impact when signing 12 months ago will lift supporters.

Seddon has spent the first half of the campaign out on loan at AFC Wimbledon after a permanent summer switch to PO4 failed to come to fruition.

But the Birmingham defender has now been recalled by his parent club and was an unused sub in their 2-0 loss to Blackburn on Saturday.

Aitor Karanka has injury issues at left-back, but those problems relenting will pave the way for Seddon needing minutes again after being left frustrated by a lack of playing time at St Andrews.

Pompey’s preference would be to take Seddon on loan at present, while Birmingham are keen to explore the possibility of a permanent move.

That presents issues with their summer asking price for Seddon way beyond what the Blues were prepared to pay for a left-back.

There is also the significant issue of accommodating the forward-thinking defender’s wage demands within the framework of Pompey’s budget, as they operate under the new wage cap and squad restrictions voted in last summer.

Jackett views a forward-thinking midfielder as a priority this month with Andy Cannon the only player of that nature currently in his ranks.

Seddon made 18 appearances over the second half of last term with his overlapping play, crossing ability and deadball quality quickly making him a favourite with supporters.

He vied with Lee Brown for starting time, where he established himself as first choice in the left back position as Pompey eventually faltered in the play-offs against Oxford United.

The Blues were keen to get Seddon in but were left stunned by Birmingham’s valuation of a player whose made just four starts at St Andrews.

The implementation of the wage cap amid the coronavirus put the final nail in the coffin of that move, as attentions were turned to bringing in Pring instead.

That left Seddon to look elsewhere for playing time as he again moved to AFC Wimbledon for a second temporary stint, making 19 appearances this term.

Seddon signed a contract tying him to Birmingham until the summer of 2022 in 2019.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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