Sunderland ace Alex Pritchard ‘receives offer’ amid Birmingham City interest

Birmingham City transfer target Alex Pritchard reportedly has an official contract offer on the table ahead of the expiry of his Sunderland deal in June.

The Sunderland midfielder, who played 53 times under Tony Mowbray at the Stadium of Light, is a player Blues are keen on signing. Competition is fierce, however, with Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids among those lining up an approach.

One club has already made contact, forcing both Pritchard and Birmingham into an ultimatum. Turkish journalist Ertan Süzgün reports Süper Lig side Sivasspor, 11th in the top flight, have "made an official offer to Pritchard".

It awaits to be seen whether the 30-year-old will entertain a move to Turkey but the opportunity is on the table. Blues must decide quickly if they want to make a move otherwise the opening could close.

A free transfer to St Andrew's Stadium would make sense for all parties as Birmingham are on a tight budget and the player is already well acquainted with Mowbray. What Blues can't offer, though, is a huge wage packet, which could put them at a disadvantage to Sivasspor.

Speaking on the potential of Pritchard leaving, Sunderland boss Michael Beale told Sunderland Echo: "Alex has been an excellent servant since I've come in. He missed the first couple of games but then he’s played very well.

"His contract situation was ongoing before I came in, that’s between him and the club. At the moment he’s here, he’s in our team and playing well so that’s my focus."

Pritchard, who has registered 187 appearances, 24 goals and 32 assists in the Championship throughout his career to date, has played 114 times for Sunderland. His former clubs include Huddersfield Town, Brentford, Swindon Town, Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion.