West Ham prospect could join Birmingham City permanently before transfer window shuts

West Ham United defender Manny Longelo could be set to complete a permanent move to Birmingham City before the transfer window closes.

Longelo has spent the first half of the season out on loan with the Championship side from West Ham, scoring once in 16 appearances in all competitions this season.

First reported by The Guardian, football.london understands that a late permanent switch for Longelo to St Andrew’s could go through, with less than three hours remaining until the window slams shut at 11pm on Tuesday night.

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Longelo would be the fourth permanent academy exit this month, after Harrison Ashby, Pierre Ekwah and Will Greenidge’s recent exits.

Ashby joined Newcastle United for £3million (plus add-ons) on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, Ekwah and Greenidge sealed permanent exits to Sunderland and Colchester United respectively for undisclosed fees earlier this month.

Longelo is currently in action for Birmingham who are playing Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers in a FA Cup fourth round replay.

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