Birmingham City managed to keep hold of one key man in the January transfer window, despite considerable links with a move elsewhere.
That came in the form of Jordan James, who is still a part of the squad made-up for Tony Mowbray in the market.
The fact that the midfielder is still at St Andrew’s, come amid a raft of speculation around his future last month.
While the market was open, it was reported that Crystal Palace and Wolves had both made enquiries for the 19-year-old. Atalanta meanwhile, apparently saw bids for James rejected.
Now it seems as though that interest in the Birmingham City man may remain ahead of the summer transfer window.
Jordan James catches the eye for Birmingham City again
According to reports from Birmingham Live, Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman was in the crowd at St Andrew’s on Saturday afternoon.
While there, he will have watched Birmingham City claim a 2-1 win over Sunderland. That came after Blues were a goal down, with James netting the equaliser.
Given those previous links, there have been suggestions that James may have been one of those Freedman was there to watch.
When considering Crystal Palace’s recent history in the transfer market, that may be a cause for concern for those of a Birmingham City persuasion.
Crystal Palace know how to buy from the Championship
If James was to make a move to Selhurst Park, he would be far from the first to join the Eagles from a club in the Championship.
Back in August 2020, Crystal Palace completed the signing of Eberechi Eze from QPR.
Just under 12 months later, the Eagles repeated a similar trick. This time, it was Michael Olise they signed, with the winger joining from Reading, who at the time were a Championship club.
Indeed, even in January just gone, they completed a similar raid. Their latest addition from the second-tier was Adam Wharton. The midfielder joined from Blackburn Rovers, who are currently level on points with Birmingham City in the table.
Both Eze and Olise have developed into key players for the Eagles. Wharton meanwhile, looks to have settled straight into life in the Premier League. The 20-year-old has been solid in his first few appearances for the club, winning plenty of praise.
As a result, their success rate with these players, means that if Crystal Palace feel they have identified another potential target with James, they will be confident he can succeed with them.
That will give them incentive to pursue a deal. Should they do that, then the fact they have also been able to get deals over the line with other Championship clubs, indicates they could reach an agreement with Birmingham City here too.
With James having become a key player for Blues this season, scoring seven goals in 30 league matches, he would be a big loss in such circumstances.
As a result, while they may have kept him beyond January, there may already be cause for concern about James’ future at Birmingham City, ahead of the summer window.