Birmingham agree Lingard loan

Birmingham City have announced a deal to sign Manchester United youngster Jesse Lingard on a one-month loan.

The 20-year-old starred for United during their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East but has been sent out on loan to the Championship club to gain first-team experience.

Lingard – an attacking midfielder – will provide Lee Clark with a different option in his struggling side.

His displays during pre-season earned him a first call-up to the England Under-21 side, and he made his debut in the 6-0 demolition of Scotland at Bramall Lane last month.

The move to the West Midlands will be the youngster’s second loan spell in England’s second tier, having spent two months on loan at Leicester towards the end of 2012.

Birmingham have won just once in their opening seven league matches, losing twice in the past week to leave themselves 21st in the table.

Lingard is expected to be involved in their clash with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.