Sam Gallagher struggling at Birmingham City while summer suitors Wolves thrive

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Southampton youngster Sam Gallagher was linked with Midlands rivals Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.

Wolves’ lack of a prolific centre-forward really held them back last season so it was no surprise that they were right in the thick of the action as speculation intensified around Southampton targetman Sam Gallagher in the summer.

The Express and Star reported in August that Wolves had coveted the 21-year-old throughout the summer window and wanted to sign him on a permanent basis, only to be put off by The Saints’ £13 million asking price.

As such, Midlands rivals Birmingham City swooped in under their noses to land Gallagher on a season-long loan – and it’s fair to say that didn’t go down particularly well among Molineux matchgoers. However, just eight games into the new Championship season, and Gallagher may be wishing he had pushed for the Old Gold of Wolves rather than the Blue of Birmingham.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have enjoyed a superb start to the campaign and sit second so far, level on points with league leaders Leeds United. Birmingham, however, could hardly be further away.

They are just two points off the bottom of the table and sacked Harry Redknapp after Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to Preston North End – the veteran gaffer’s 13^th game in charge of the club.

Meanwhile, Gallagher hasn’t exactly thrived in an underperforming Birmingham team, failing to score in four appearances and enduring a dismal afternoon against Alex Neil’s Lilywhites.

It’s fair to say he’d be forgiven for glancing across at Molineux with envy. After all, Wolves are not short of creative talent with the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro, Ruben Neves and the sparkling winger Diogo Jota ensuring Nuno’s high-flyers are one of the best teams to watch in the league.

Gallagher, who scored 11 goals in a relegated Blackburn Rovers side last season, could have thrived as a central pivot with so many fleet-footed attackers feeding off his service.

Instead, the Southampton youngster looks set for another season of struggle with Birmingham. Suddenly, even his reported £43,000-a-week wages (The Mirror) pale into insignificance.