One key player who Birmingham City managed to keep hold of during the January transfer window, was Jordan James.
The 19-year-old has already been well established in the Blues starting XI for some time now. This season though has seen him take his game to another level.
In 30 Championship appearances during the current campaign, he has already scored seven goals for Tony Mowbray’s side.
Back in the January transfer window, it was reported that Premier League duo Wolves and Crystal Palace were keen on the teenager.
Birmingham City are also said to have rejected offers from Serie A side Atalanta for his services.
Now it seems there is a chance that at least one of those clubs is still interested in the signing of James.
Crystal Palace hold Birmingham City scouting mission
According to a report from Birmingham Live, Dougie Freedman, who is currently sporting director at Crystal Palace, was in attendance at St Andrew’s on Saturday.
The Eagles chief will have seen Birmingham City claim a 2-1 win over Sunderland in that game.
During the match, James got himself on the scoresheet and picked up a booking. The midfielder completed the full 90 minutes of the the match, helping Blues to another big victory.
Given those recent links with Crystal Palace, it is suggested that the Wales international may have been one of those Freedman was watching on Saturday.
James’ contract with Birmingham City is due to expire at the end of next season. At that point, the club have the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.
Latest James claims concerning but not surprising for Blues
The fact that Freedman was in attendance on Saturday will be a worry for Birmingham City.
With James again scoring and impressing, he is only likely to have increased his appeal to the likes of the Crystal Palace chief.
Given those recent links with the Eagles, it would therefore be no surprise if they were to be tempted to make a move for him come the summer.
Indeed, Crystal Palace do have form for plucking young gems from the Championship recently, so James is the sort of player that would seem to fit their criteria.
That may leave Birmingham City facing something of a battle to retain the services of the midfielder come the summer.
However, with the form he is in right now, and the level of interest he attracted back in January, that is something Blues ought to at least be well prepared for.