Jake Clarke-Salter has today joined Birmingham City on loan for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

It is a return to St Andrew’s for the defender, who made 23 appearances there last term and helped them finish the campaign two points and two places clear of safety. His only goal came in a 1-1 draw against Millwall in November.

The 23-year-old joined our Academy at the age of nine and progressed through the ranks to play a key role in FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League trophy triumphs.

Powerful, athletic and comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, he made his Blues debut under Guus Hiddink in April 2016, coming on during the second half of a 4-0 win at Aston Villa.

Clarke-Salter has had previous loan spells at Vitesse, Sunderland and Bristol Rovers. He has represented England up to the Under-21 age group and won the 2017 Under-20 World Cup with the young Lions in South Korea.

Following the departure of Pep Clotet in July, Birmingham are now managed by Aitor Karanka and have made an unbeaten start to the Championship season, winning one and drawing three of their opening four matches. They host Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow.