- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Birmingham City are hoping to sign Alex Pritchard from Championship rivals Sunderland during the January transfer raid with new Blues boss Tony Mowbray launching a raid on his old employers.
HITC Football understands that talks are already underway, Mowbray keen to reunite with a midfielder he worked with at the Stadium of Light until his sudden departure before Christmas.
Alex Pritchard is due to become a free-agent this summer. HITC have been informed that Sunderland currently have no plans to hand the experienced playmaker a new deal, though it remains to be seen if the Black Cats would be willing to green-light a departure in the midst of the campaign. A play-off spot not out of the question despite a miserable start to the Mick Beale era on Wearside.
Birmingham City want Alex Pritchard from Sunderland
Pritchard, a regular in Sunderland’s starting XI, has five assists from 21 appearances this season. He also produced a genuine Goal of the Season contender with a swerving long-range hit against Preston North End.
Birmingham, meanwhile, are far from the only club looking into a deal for the one-time Tottenham Hotspur prospect. There is also interest from clubs in America and Turkey.
HITC understands that Serie B outfit Como are also in the race, with the club led by Cesc Fabregas.
A fresh start at an ambitious, up-and-coming club in a picturesque location may appeal to Pritchard. So too should the opportunity to further hone his trade under the stewardship of the former Spain, Arsenal and Barcelona superstar.
Busy end to the window beckons for Black Cats
Mowbray, meanwhile, has made no secret of his admiration for Pritchard, who once cost Huddersfield Town £11 million and joined Sunderland back in 2021.
“What a good footballer he is,” Mowbray told The Chronicle in September, two months before he vacated the Sunderland hot seat.
“I’m just amazed the phone hasn’t rang as much as it might have done, because he’s a wonderful footballer. We have to try and maximise his time on the pitch.”
It will come as no surprise, given Mowbray’s obvious admiration for Pritchard, that Birmingham are making the phone ring with a week left in the window.
HITC understands that Sunderland are also facing a battle hanging onto Pierre Ekwah. There is Premier League interest in the ex-West Ham starlet. Homegrown goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, meanwhile, has admirers at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Birmingham, meanwhile, are demanding more than £10 million from their own rising star, Jordan James.
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