Birmingham City chasing fresh Sunderland AFC transfer deal - Chris Davies would love it | OneFootball

Blues are hunting a permanent deal for the winger after a strong first-half of the season on loan.

Birmingham City and Sunderland have engaged in talks over a permanent deal for Patrick Roberts after a successful first-half of the season on loan in the West Midlands.

That's according to a report from the Northern Echo, who have stated that the two clubs have been in conversation over a move, as Blues look to mount a push for the top six ahead of the run-in.

Roberts has scored three goals and registered four assists for Birmingham in the league so far this season, playing 22 of his side's 27 Championship matches. Chris Davies' team are currently 13th in the second tier, eight points off the play-off places.

The 28-year-old left Sunderland on loan in the summer after three years with the Black Cats' first-team, helping them to promotion from League One to the Championship in 2021/22 and once again through the play-offs last May as the Wearsiders returned to the Premier League.

Birmingham City and Sunderland in talks over permanent Patrick Roberts transfer

Blues won the race for Roberts on deadline day in the summer transfer window, despite Alan Nixon reporting that Derby County were interested in bringing the winger to Pride Park for a second loan stint.

Nonetheless, the former Manchester City man has been a good addition for Davies' side and there is a desire to make his deal a permanent one after playing a key role on the right-wing for Birmingham over the course of the last four months.

The winger is in the final year of his contract at Sunderland, but the Black Cats do have the option to add another 12 months onto his deal, which would only add to the asking price.

Roberts' days at the Stadium of Light seem to be numbered, and it would not be a surprise to see him continue at St. Andrew's, but the Northern Echo have stated that there is likely to be competition from other Championship sides for the winger.

Chris Davies is keen on signing Patrick Roberts permanently at Birmingham City

With Blues' number 16 making such an impact so far this season, it may not come as a surprise to see that Davies is extremely keen on keeping hold of the Sunderland loanee for more than just the one campaign.

His goal against Swansea City ensured that Birmingham took a point in their most recent league game, and their head coach explained after the draw that his side are looking to sign Roberts permanently.

He said (via: Birmingham Live): "We are looking at that. I know those conversations are taking place and we are hopeful, but there are a few parts of that that have to work. That would be ideal."

Birmingham face Sheffield Wednesday in their next Championship fixture on Tuesday evening, as they look to climb up the league table against a side rooted to the bottom of the table on -7 points and with just the one win all season long.