‘Certainly proved’ - Birmingham City and Wolves hint made as summer transfer window approaches

Birmingham City manager John Eustace believes defender Dion Sanderson has done everything he can possibly do to prove himself for a potential permanent transfer. The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee has been a key member of Blues’ squad this season, helping the club to the best points total in about half a decade.

With 30 appearances in the Championship this campaign, as well as 15 during a half-season loan last term, Bluenoses have gotten used to seeing the 23-year-old at St Andrew’s. Able to play anywhere across the back four, Sanderson has been very useful when injuries have totted up - though he did have his own recently.

Out for a long while with a back problem, Sanderson has only just returned to full training in the last couple of weeks. His most recent appearance was in the 2-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town in February and many were concerned this was to be his last in a Birmingham shirt.

Eustace, who has been selecting the likes of Kevin Long and Marc Roberts in Sanderson’s absence, was optimistic when asked about the possibility of the Wolves man signing permanently. “The way Dion’s performed and the way he’s acted on the training pitch is brilliant,” Eustace told the media last week.

“He’s travelled to away games and home games when he’s not been involved and it shows this football club means a lot to him. He came here last season and did very well. The fans really like Dion - the players in the squad love him to bits. Dion has certainly proved that he’s very committed to this football club.”

The head coach has said in the past he would love to sign Sanderson permanently and that is becoming more and more likely with such a connection between the player, his teammates, and the fanbase. With a current market value of around £2.6 million, it could be tricky but there’s certainly hope.

Wolves are yet to use Sanderson in the Premier League and he has actually only made one singular appearance in all competitions, with 90 minutes in a Carabao Cup tie. Even recent £25 million signing Nathan Collins is being benched, so it’s likely Sanderson will be surplus to requirements. He could come on the cheap.