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Birmingham City are on the verge of completing a loan move for Derby County utility man Ryan Shotton.

Shotton is reportedly undergoing a medical at the Blues' Wast Hills training complex ahead of sealing his switch to St Andrews until the end of the season after the two clubs agreed a deal.

The former Stoke City man has made just six league appearances for the Rams so far in 2015/16 and seven in total after dropping down the pecking order since Paul Clement succeeded Steve McClaren in the summer.

And the former Real Madrid assistant is thought to be keen to allow him a loan move in January in order for him to get some regular first-team football under his belt.

Gary Rowett is rumoured to be a big fan of the 27-year-old and believes his versatility will be useful for the season run-in as he looks to build a squad capable of a push for the play-offs.

The manager hinted at an imminent arrival by saying: “I think now it’s a case of trying to find a loan option that maybe at the end of it could become our player.

“I think we’ve still got room for one full-back/centre-back/ defender who can play in a couple of positions and that would give us some fantastic flexibility.

With Shane Lowry released by the Blues earlier this week, Shotton would provide a much-needed added option in central defence, while he would also offer cover to Paul Caddis at right-back.

Shotton would become the Blues' fourth January signing should he complete a temporary switch after the signings of Will Buckley, Luke Maxwell and Diego Fabbrini, as well as the extension to James Vaughan's loan from Huddersfield Town.