Birmingham City closing in on fresh Brighton transfer deal ahead of Middlesbrough, Wrexham AFC | OneFootball

Birmingham City are reportedly in pole position to sign Brighton's Ecuadorian winger Jeremy Sarmiento

Birmingham City have emerged as frontrunners for the signature of out-of-favour Brighton winger Jeremy Sarmiento this January after Middlesbrough seemingly ended their interest in the Ecuadorian, with Wrexham also linked.

Birmingham are looking to continue their busy winter window with the possible addition of Ecuadorian winger Jeremy Sarmiento on a permanent deal from Premier League side Brighton.

As per Alex Crook via X, the Blues have emerged as the leading contenders for the 23-year-old's signature, who looks set to leave the Amex Stadium for good this month after numerous loan spells away.

Sarmiento has spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Italian Serie A side Cremonese, playing alongside former Championship players Martin Payero and Jamie Vardy, but has made just seven league appearances for the club.

Now, he looks set to return to England, with Birmingham interested in adding the two-time Championship promotion winner to their ranks.

Birmingham City closing in on Brighton's Jeremy Sarmiento amid Middlesbrough, Wrexham interest

Indeed, Middlesbrough were the previous favourites for the signature of Sarmiento, but following the decision to keep forward Delano Burgzorg at the club, Boro have pulled away from a deal.

Wrexham remains another interested party in Sarmiento, with the two clubs now seemingly in a two-horse race for the Ecuadorian international's signature this month. However, the Blues are reportedly leading that race.

Sarmiento has had three separate loan spells in the Championship across his career, first with West Brom, and then with both Ipswich Town and Burnley, the latter two with which he earned promotion.

Despite being 23 years old, Sarmiento knows exactly what it takes to get out of this division, something which Birmingham and Wrexham hope he can bring to their squads.

Birmingham have not been shy in bringing in recruits this month after an average first half of the campaign, with Chris Davies' side looking to stamp their authority on the second tier with some exciting additions this month, with Sarmiento being another one, possibly through the St Andrews door.

Chris Davies, Birmingham City have one eye on Premier League football amid the January transfer window intent

It's clear Birmingham are identifying additions in attacking areas this month, with Sarmiento the latest possible arrival in that area.

August Priske looks set to join from Swedish side Djurgarden, after Birmingham fended off interest from both Besiktas and Lille for the young Dane's signature, whilst they have also completed the addition of fellow Brighton winger Ibrahim Osman on loan for the remainder of the season.

As revealed exclusively by Football League World, a deal for Swedish champions Mjallby's Gambian sensation Abdoulie Manneh collapsed earlier in the window, with Sarmiento next on Davies' shopping list.

Elsewhere, both left-back Kai Wagner and defensive midfielder Jhon Solis have signed from MLS side Philadelphia Union and Spanish side Girona, respectively, as Birmingham lay down the marker this winter.

With Keshi Anderson's contract being mutually terminated this month to facilitate new arrivals, and with Liverpool loanee Lewis Koumas still possibly being recalled later this month, Davies is ensuring his side is not short of options in attacking areas.

With Boro seemingly out of the picture, the Blues now must fend off interest from Wrexham for the capture of Sarmiento, and will no doubt back themselves to get a deal over the line, as Davies' side targets Premier League football next season.