Shao Jiayi at Energie until the end of the season

Shao Jiayi is resigned to staying in Germany until the end of the season before he looks for a new club. Birmingham City’s hopes of landing him have evaporated after the China midfielder failed to obtain a work permit.

“I found out on Monday that my work permit application was declined, despite the fact that I have played in Germany for so many years” he was quoted. “The Football Association have strict rules regarding work permits so I have to accept that rules are rules. I will not be appealing their decision.”