West Bromwich Albion could be set to lose experienced midfielder to Birmingham City.
Speaking to the media during his pre-match press conference, Baggies boss Tony Pulis responded to reports linking Craig Gardner with a move to Birmingham City, and admitted that discussions over a possible transfer have already begun, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail.
The 30-year-old moved to the Hawthorns in the summer of 2014 from Sunderland on a free transfer, and has since gone on to make 85 appearances for the club.
West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis
The West Brom man actually spent 18 months with the Blues earlier on in his career, and Gianfranco Zola is keen on bringing him back to St Andrews.
Pulis told reporters that he doesn’t want Gardner to leave the club, but admitted discussions are already underway with Birmingham, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail:
“Birmingham have come in for Gards, they’re interested in taking Craig. Negotiations are underway. I’m not sure if it’s a loan or not. I’m not that keen on losing Gards, he’s a great professional. He’s really good on the pitch and has done very well for me in the two years I’ve been here.”
West Brom’s Craig Gardner in action
The West Brom boss is keen to strengthen his options this month, however, so the idea of selling Gardner could appeal to him if he is given the funds to reinvest into the Baggies’ playing squad.
Pulis’ men currently sit in eighth position in the Premier League table, after making a superb start to their campaign, but Gardner himself has had little influence on their success, starting just two league games thus far for West Brom.
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