Birmingham City no doubt already know that they will head into the summer transfer window, facing a battle to retain the services of Jordan James.
The midfielder has been in fine form this season, scoring seven goals in 30 Championship appearances so far.
That attracted attention in the January transfer window, when Crystal Palace, Wolves and Atalanta were credited with an interest in his services.
Now, reports from Birmingham Live have revealed that Crystal Palace sporting director watched Blues beat Sunderland 2-1 on Saturday afternoon, a game in which James scored.
As a result, it seems the Eagles may retain an interest in the 19-year-old ahead of the market reopening at the end of the season.
It could therefore be hard for Birmingham City to retain the services of the Wales international at that point.
If he is to leave, he will no doubt have to be replaced at St Andrew’s. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at three players the club could target as alternatives to James, right here.
Corry Evans could reunite with Tony Mowbray
Birmingham City manager Tony Mowbray has plenty of history for reuniting with former players, and Corry Evans could fit that bill here.
The Northern Ireland international has previously worked with the Blues boss at both Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland. Evans has always been a consistently reliable performer under the 60-year-old, so could do a solid job for him at St Andrew’s.
He is also out of contract at the end of this season, which could make him an affordable target. While he is much further along in his career than James, it could be argued that as a result, Evans would add some useful experience in midfield for Blues.
Hakeem Odoffin could be a solid option for Birmingham City
Another out of contract, and therefore affordable, player who may be worth considering to fill this void for Blues, is Hakeen Odoffin.
The Rotherham United man has spent two seasons at this level, so knows what is required to hold his own in this division. He has also shown with the Millers, that he is capable of chipping in with some important goals as well.
While naturally a central midfielder, Odoffin is also capable of operating at centre back is needed. Such versatility is welcome in any side. At 6ft 3in, he also adds some useful height for both attacking and defending set pieces.
Lewis Baker could fill the goalscoring void
It has been a frustrating season for Lewis Baker, who has only recently returned to action for Stoke City after a long spell out with a knee problem.
Prior to that absence though, the 28-year-old had been a useful source of goals from midfield for the Potters. Before the start of this season, he has scored 15 Championship goals in a year-and-a-half at the club.
As a result, he could help make a similar sort of impact in the final third, to the one James has this season. He is also entering the final year of his contract with Stoke City in the summer. As a result, if a club such as a Birmingham City were to make an offer when the window reopens, they may be tempted to cash in while they have the chance to do so.