Birmingham City boss Tony Mowbray has admitted the club were ‘very close’ to signing Ian Poveda from Leeds United before his move to Sheffield Wednesday.
Leeds United saw winger Poveda move on late in the January transfer window. Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday were both credited with interest on deadline day but ultimately, it was the latter who struck a deal for the Colombia international.
Poveda joined the Owls on loan until the end of the season, which is also when his contract at Elland Road runs out. He’s made a good impression at Hillsborough too, providing an assist after some impressive work out wide on his first Championship start.
His efforts contributed to Birmingham City’s 2-0 loss against Sheffield Wednesday last week. Mowbray is a manager more than aware of the dangers he offers though having brought him in on loan while in charge of Tuesday night opponents Blackburn Rovers.
Now, after the winter links, Mowbray has confirmed the interest in a deal. Speaking to BBC West Midlands (quotes via Birmingham Live), he stated a move was close.
“Poveda is a good player, I would have to say,” he said.
“We were very close to signing Poveda in this window just gone. He’s a player I had at Blackburn Rovers and is a very talented young boy.”
Ultimately though, Birmingham City needed to offload someone before Poveda could come in. That proved not to happen, paving the way for the 24-year-old to leave Leeds United for Sheffield Wednesday instead.
