Birmingham add Bowyer to promotion push

Promotion-chasing Birmingham have signed former Leeds and Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer on loan from West Ham until the end of the season, the club confirmed on Friday.

The 32-year-old is manager Alex McLeish’s fifth signing of the January transfer window, following Keith Fahey, Robin Shroot, Scott Sinclair and Hameur Bouazza.

“Lee’s a dynamic player and I want to bring a dynamic look back to the team,” said former Scotland boss McLeish, whose side currently lie third in the Championship.

Bowyer has not been a first-team regular for West Ham this season.

Championship leaders Wolves meanwhile have pulled out of a deal to sign Rangers forward Alan Gow after the 26-year-old failed a medical.

“It’s nothing serious, it’s something bio-mechanical but that’s something for Alan and Rangers to sort out, not us,” said Wolves manager Mick McCarthy.

“He’s a good player who would have added to the squad but that’s not going to happen. In a way this is a credit to our medical team and how thorough they are.

“There’s still plenty of time left in January and hopefully we will strengthen.

“We have a squad of players who have been doing well but of course we will continue to try and bolster the squad.”

Premiership side Sunderland announced that they had released Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh, whose contract had been due to expire at the end of the season.

Kavanagh, 35, plans to find another club.