The search for a striker goes on

The Che Adams saga drags on and on. Blues` second bid has been rejected and will more than likely put an end to the club`s interest in him.

Adams would have been the ideal candidate to play out wide in a front three but it seems Blues have been priced out the deal.

Signing a striker is vitally important for Blues as we lack firepower. But we can`t go signing any old striker – which is why I share Gary Rowett`s frustration.

The Bues manager has missed out on other targets too – Sone Aluko, Tom Bradshaw and, more recently, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, who re-joined his former club Vitesse yesterday.

But Rowett must keep plugging away. The season may start next week, but the transfer window doesn`t slam shut until the end of August, by which time Blues will hopefully have landed a decent striker.

Many names will continue to be linked with the club and Rowett has other targets. But all of his efforts were focused on Adams – a deal which would scoff up a huge chunk of Rowett`s budget if it reignites.

Perhaps it is time to take a calculated risk on a player form a lower division. Several strikers from League One and League Two would cut the mustard in the Championship and would be obtainable for a fee within Blues` financial parameters. However, Rowett must hope he stringently cherry picks the right one otherwise the gamble hasn`t paid off.