Birmingham City urged to sign "fantastic" player this summer - "£8m isn't that bad" | OneFootball

FLW's Birmingham City fan pundit has given his thoughts on the potential return of winger Demarai Gray.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Birmingham City are preparing for life back in the Championship after winning promotion from League One.

After investing heavily in the squad last summer, Birmingham stormed to the League One title last season as they accumulated a total of 111 points, which set a new EFL record.

Owner Tom Wagner has made it clear that the club are targeting back-to-back promotions ahead of their return to the second tier, and in pursuit of that objective, the Blues are expected to be one of the biggest spenders outside the Premier League this summer.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Birmingham have made contact with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq as they explore the possibility of re-signing winger Demarai Gray, who came through the club's academy and established himself in the first-team before departing for Leicester City for a fee of £3.7 million in January 2016.

Having spent the last two seasons at Al-Ettifaq, Gray is reportedly keen to return to English football, but it remains to be seen whether his valuation, which is believed to be in the region of £8 million, will be a stumbling block for the Blues, while they are facing competition for his signature from Italian side Fiorentina, and Sunderland also hold a "historical interest" in the 28-year-old from January.

Birmingham City urged to seal Demarai Gray deal

When asked for his thoughts on the potential return of Gray, FLW's Birmingham City fan pundit Jason Moore insisted that he would love to see the winger back at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, and he claimed the club should not be put off by his £8 million price tag.

"Demarai Gray was fantastic for us, although he was 19 or 20 last time he played for us," Jason told FLW.

"I can't imagine he's too bothered about putting his all in in Saudi, it's just a money move for anyone, despite what Ivan Toney said.

"If I was Blues, I would be going after him.

"If there was a deal to be made, I would 100% be bringing him in.

"He's played loads of his career at a decent level.

"I think he needs to be at a club where he's the main man and is loved, and he's loved at Blues.

"I think it would make sense for everyone if he came back, and I'd certainly pursue it.

"£8 million isn't that bad for a player of his experience.

"If he's hungry, wants to prove a point and can play the Chris Davies way, then I'm all for it, and I'd bring him back."

Birmingham City must be cautious over Demarai Gray swoop

Given that he came through the club's academy, it is easy to see why the potential return of Gray would excite Birmingham supporters.

Having spent much of his career since leaving the Blues playing at a high level, Gray could be a big asset for Chris Davies' side in the Championship next season, and his £8 million valuation would not be out of the club's price range.

However, Gray has not quite managed to hit the heights many expected him to after his breakthrough at Birmingham, and with the winger failing to score a single goal and registering just one assist in 25 appearances for Al-Ettifaq last season, the Midlands outfit must carefully consider whether the money could be better spent elsewhere.