Exclusive: Sunderland green light Patrick Roberts transfer, talks open with Championship club
Sunderland are set to sanction the permanent sale of Patrick Roberts in the January window, sources have told Football Insider.
The winger is out of contract in the summer, but the Black Cats look set to forfeit their option of a one-year extension clause in order to cash in on him this winter.
Roberts is currently on loan at Birmingham City, and the Blues are ready to turn that short-term stint into a permanent move with talks already underway.
Sources have indicated to Football Insider that there is no way back for the winger at his parent club due to the depth of Regis Le Bris’ squad, and as a result, they are open to working with Birmingham to strike a deal.
Birmingham have already opened talks with Sunderland
Birmingham are pushing to sign Roberts permanently before he is due to return to the Stadium of Light in the summer, and they have already made their move in recent days.
The second city outfit opened talks with Sunderland at the turn of the year to try and negotiate a possible deal, and it’s clear that they have a strong intention of striking an agreement.
Roberts has notched six goal contributions during his 21 appearances in the Championship this term, including two assists in Birmingham’s 3-2 win over Coventry City in their last outing.
He has quickly become a key player for Chris Davies, who has already handed him 18 starts so far this term.
Birmingham are keen to push towards the play-offs in the second half of the season, and Roberts is seen as a player who can help them achieve that long-term.
Birmingham also chasing Ryan Doherty deal in January
Football Insider revealed last week that Birmingham are in the race for Stevenage starlet Ryan Doherty this winter, amid interest from several other clubs.
The 17-year-old midfielder featured in three consecutive games in League One across December, as he lifted his tally of senior appearances for his boyhood club to 11.
Doherty’s potential has alerted the hierarchy at St Andrew’s, while there is also strong interest from both Bournemouth and Ipswich.
Stevenage tied Doherty down to a professional contract back in August, so it would require a fee for any prospective buyer to strike a deal.
Birmingham have immediate targets lined up this winter in the likes of Roberts, but it is also clear that they still have an eye on possible options for the future.