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Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Birmingham City's chances of signing Emi Buendia in January

Lee Hendrie believes a lot could change between now and the January transfer window amid Birmingham City’s interest in Aston Villa playmaker Emi Buendia.

It was reported in the summer that the Championship side were interested in a deal for one of their bitter rivals’ players.

However, it’s been claimed that Unai Emery is keen to keep the 28-year-old, despite his limited game time in recent seasons.

Buendia featured just 12 times in the Premier League last year before going out on loan to Bayer Leverkusen in the January market.

Injuries have hampered his time at Villa Park, although he has made five appearances from the Midlands outfit’s first six league games so far this campaign.

Lee Hendrie gives Emi Buendia to Birmingham verdict

Hendrie has claimed that the pursuit of Buendia makes a lot of sense due to the creative flair he could bring to Chris Davies’ side, which he feels they need.

However, he’s unsure whether a deal could come to fruition in the January market, suggesting that there could be some twists and turns in this transfer story between now and the new year.

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Emi,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“He has been used an awful lot, and he says that he wants to fight and stay at Villa.

“I can understand why because the situation of obviously where they’re at, what competitions they’re in, and he’s built his fitness and he’s playing and starting games.

“I know Birmingham have been interested in him and have been looking for a number 10, creative, a bit of flair.

“I’m sure they’ll be looking at maybe reigniting that little bit of interest for Buendia.

“If it doesn’t work out for him from now until January, I think lots could change.”

Birmingham’s Premier League ambition

It is clear that Birmingham are aiming to earn a place back in the Premier League under their American owner Tom Wagner.

Plans to build a new 62,000 seater stadium, along with heavy investment into the first team squad over the last year or so, have made it obvious that they have grand ambitions for the Blues.

But it hasn’t been an ideal start to life back in the Championship, with Davies’ side earning 11 points from their first 11 games to sit 11th in the table.

Next up for Birmingham is a trip to face Wrexham on Friday evening, with the clash at the Racecourse Ground set to kick-off at 8pm.

Hard to see Emi Buendia move coming off for Birmingham

Buendia has made a positive start to the season, and is playing regularly under Emery again.

It’s difficult to see Aston Villa cashing in on the midfielder, particularly by selling to their big rivals.

Given it could be a big boost to Birmingham’s promotion bid, a move in January seems very unlikely at this stage.

But Emery’s position at Villa Park could be under increasing pressure if results don’t improve, and it’s possible a change in manager could have an impact on Birmingham’s chances of sealing a deal for Buendia as a result.