Birmingham City are trying to add fresh faces to their squad in the January transfer window
Luke O’Nien and Patrick Roberts celebrating Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League
Birmingham City aren’t pursuing a deal for Sunderland hero Luke O’Nien, BirminghamLive understands.
O’Nien, 31, is expected to become available for transfer in this window after finding his opportunities at Sunderland limited since their promotion to the Premier League.
The 31-year-old was ever-present in the Championship for the Black Cats last season but he has only made two appearances as a substitute in the Premier League.
Like Blues loanee Patrick Roberts, a return to the Championship is O’Nien’s best bet to secure regular football in the second half of the season and he isn’t expected to be short of suitors.
Midlands trio Blues, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City have all been linked with moves for O’Nien.
But O’Nien isn’t believed to be on Blues’ radar, meaning a reunion with fellow Sunderland promotion winner Roberts is off the cards.
Blues are looking at centre-backs given the uncertainty surrounding loan defender Eiran Cashin.
Cashin could be recalled by Brighton and redistributed to another Championship team due to his lack of game time under Chris Davies in the first half of the season.
Davies’ other options at centre-back include skipper Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann and the experienced Jack Robinson.
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