Sunderland hero tipped for exit: Birmingham, West Brom & Coventry should be on red alert | OneFootball

Luke O'Nien could depart Sunderland on loan in the upcoming transfer window

With the January transfer window now just days away, plenty of players have already seen their immediate futures discussed ahead of a crucial second half of the season.

One man who now falls into said category is Sunderland's utility player and promotion hero from the Black Cats' recent stint in both the Championship and League One, Luke O'Nien.

The 31-year-old has become part of the furniture at the Stadium of Light since initially joining the North East outfit in the summer of 2018 under the management of Jack Ross, eventually becoming a key influence both on and off the pitch as the Wearside club enjoyed a rebirth of sorts, which culminated in a dramatic 2-1 success over Sheffield United in last season's play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

O'Nien only played a handful of minutes that day due to dislocating his shoulder, and has barely featured in the Premier League after Regis Le Bris' side broke spending levels for a newly-promoted side. However, one of his two top-flight appearances thus far was also marked with a disappointing red card against Manchester City.

It has since been reported by Alan Nixon via Patreon that the former Wycombe Wanderers man could leave the club on an initial loan basis in the coming weeks, a development which should have a whole host of Championship sides on red alert.

With that in mind, Football League World have pinpointed three second tier sides who, perhaps, should be earmarking O'Nien as a winter target more than most.

Birmingham City

Birmingham City's recent issues have largely stemmed from a lack of depth and specific attributes across certain areas of the pitch, with a transfer plan for the upcoming window being reported by Football Insider.

Within said report, it was claimed that one of the profiles of player being targeted by Chris Davies was a 'powerhouse' midfielder, which many would argue is currently not found in Blues' squad.

The likes of Paik Seung-ho and Tommy Doyle provide strong technical qualities, but, particularly away from St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, a lack of physicality and robustness has been particularly evident.

Despite the fact O'Nien was mainly utilised as a centre-back in Sunderland's rise up the EFL, the experienced and versatile figure is certainly more than capable of slotting into a position within midfield that would give Birmingham more bite when needed, as well as potentially filling a void left by centre-back Eiran Cashin, who many believe will see his own loan from Brighton and Hove Albion cut short.

West Bromwich Albion

Moving across the West Midlands, and it is fair to say that Ryan Mason will be desperate to add further reinforcements to his West Bromwich Albion squad.

In a similar vein to that of their local rivals, there have been significant levels of criticism held against the 34-year-old for the ways in which Albion appear to approach games away from The Hawthorns, although there have also been instances where his team have been easy to play through, especially down the middle.

It would seem highly unlikely that O'Nien would oust the likes of Nat Phillips and Chris Mepham from the main centre-back positions in B71, which means his versatility would also come in as a useful weapon of choice for Mason, who could view the Sunderland man as a potential option in midfield.

Ironically, it has also been reported that fellow Black Cats outcast, Dan Neil, has emerged on the Baggies' radar alongside Coventry City and Leicester City. However, O'Nien would not be a bad alternative in the slightest.

He would immediately add combativeness in the middle of the park, as well as composure, experience and added depth. This is particularly important as it remains to be seen what final decision will be made in the coming weeks in relation to the fitness of current Manchester United loanee, Toby Collyer, whose own stint has been extremely stop-start through injury.

Coventry City

As previously mentioned, Coventry have been heavily linked with a swoop for O'Nien's Sunderland counterpart, Neil. However, a potential double raid from the Stadium of Light could also make sense in a roundabout way.

At present, it remains to be seen whether stellar centre-back, Bobby Thomas, will remain at the CBS Arena post-January despite the Sky Blues' position in the promotion race amid interest from Brentford, Everton and Leeds United.

Many City supporters will, understandably, be nervous as a result. But, it must be said that a short-term loan move for O'Nien could ease such concerns, as he would be able to form an adequate partnership with Liam Kitching.

Given his lack of minutes in the Premier League so far this season, it would also make more sense for City to pursue a loan deal in this case rather than a permanent, as they could then opt to target a higher calibre of player if they are to end a 25-year exile from the top division.