Birmingham City hold transfer 'conversations' with Sunderland over Celtic hero as ex-Hoops coach keen on deal
The former Celtic player could make a permanent exit from Sunderland to Birmingham City.
A Celtic hero has turned the subject of transfer talks between Sunderland and Birmingham City over a permanent deal this January.
Blues boss and former Hoops coach Chris Davies is looking to add to a side he won League One with last season, and one loan signing he made in the summer was Patrick Roberts. Davies worked with the winger during his popular time at Celtic where he won seven trophies with 18 goals and 26 assists to boot, and after winning Premier League promotion with Sunderland, moved to keep him at Championship level.
Roberts has impressed at Birmingham City and underlined his ability by scoring the leveller in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Swansea City. Davies would like to see the deal become permanent and talks are underway with Sunderland over the former Celtic player, with the added bonus of an extra loan spot being freed up if a move can be agreed.
Patrick Roberts to Birmingham City permanent transfer latest
He told The Argus: “We are looking at the situation with Patrick Roberts and I know those conversations are taking place. I think we are hopeful but there’s a few parts that have to all work out, but it would be ideal.
“Overall, there is a spirit in this squad that has grown in these last three games and it’s something everyone can see. There is pride there and that fighting spirit that you need.
“I said that to the players at half-time, we’re right in this game, but we need to be more aggressive. We need to press them more. We need to move 10-15 yards higher up the pitch with our defensive line, and we need to go and get on the ball and play more and quicker. We did and I thought we saw a much better performance in the second half.”
Patrick Roberts on latest goal for Birmingham City
Roberts said after the game: “I think we're disappointed that maybe the first half wasn't a great showing. We had to show something different in the second half, although, we had some chances. We just were a bit slow on the ball and they scored a good goal. We had to come out in the second half and show a bit more urgency and press them a bit more to come back and get a 1-1. It's a tough place to come, a tough team and a good side.
“Obviously I can add maybe a bit more. Any goal you take is obviously a bonus. I just want to get three points. I'm disappointed but I'm glad to get a goal. Hopefully many more to come.
“I've been here many times and it can get end-to-end. We tried to stay on the front foot and press high. They obviously pressed us as well. It made it a difficult game but I think in the second half we showed bits of quality. A bit more composure on the ball. I think we just upped it a little bit. We got the goal and we could have got another goal. Another day, maybe we do.”