Report: Birmingham City close to winning race for Southampton striker Sam Gallagher

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Birmingham, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County have all been credited with interest in the Southampton striker.

Birmingham City are close to agreeing a deal to sign Southampton striker Sam Gallagher on loan, despite interest from Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County, reports The Birmingham Mail.

The newspaper reported on Sunday that Gallagher was set to move clubs this week, but stated his destination was “still up for grabs”, with Birmingham, Villa, Wolves and Derby all keen.

Sam Gallagher in action for Blackburn Rovers

But the 21-year-old is now said to be St Andrew’s bound – and could join Arsenal pair Carl Jenkinson and Cohen Bramall.

Gallagher scored 12 goals while on loan to Blackburn Rovers last season, and Southampton would appear to see a future for the player at St Mary’s, with The Birmingham Mail reporting they were unwilling to entertain Derby’s hopes of a permanent deal.

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce confirmed his side’s interest at a press conference last week, although the Villans still have Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ross McCormack – not to mention Saturday’s impressive performer Keinan Davis – on their books.

And The Birmingham Mail reports there were also doubts as to whether Gallagher would play regularly at Wolves, who have Nouha Dicko and Leo Bonatini in form.

Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp

Birmingham have now completed seven deals this summer, and could increase that tally to eight if Gallagher follows Jenkinson and Bramall – both full-backs – to the Midlands.

Is Birmingham – and not Aston Villa, Wolves or Derby – the best club for Southampton’s Gallagher?