Sunderland transfer approach made for Birmingham City linked player

Sunderland have made the first move for Birmingham City linked utility man Callum Styles, according to a report.

Styles was linked with a move to St Andrew's over the course of the weekend, but now he could be heading somewhere else. Alan Nixon, an EFL journalist from The Sun said Blues were interested along with Hull, but now a new team has entered the race, and they're not messing around.

Sunderland have 'made a move' for Styles according to Sky Sports' North East reporter Keith Downie. He says that the Black Cats are looking to bolster their midfield. A loan offer has been suggested which would make concluding a deal easier and then there would be an obligation to buy in the summer.

The positive news for Birmingham is that Downie says a deal is 'far from done though' and that could open the door to them should they wish to pursue Styles. Sunderland's proposed for Styles could also make for a domino effect with Birmingham linked with a move for Alex Pritchard. It is unsure whether their attempts to sign Styles would mean Pritchard would be available, but there would obviously be more competition for places, and his contract situation at the Stadium of Light has yet to be sorted out.

Styles is a 18-time Hungarian international after making his debut for them in March 2022. He is capable of playing in various positions and is currently vying for the left-back spot at Barnsley. Styles can play as a central midfielder and as an attacking midfielder which makes him a good option to have when it comes to flexibility.

At 23-years-old he has already played more than 100 games in the Championship, featuring for the Tykes and Millwall, where he has got nine goals and six assists. He has been involved in a promotion battle with Barnsley, helping them reach the play-offs in the 2020/21 season.

He is under contract at Oakwell until the summer of 2025 and is a prominent member of their first-team. He has played 22 times in all competitions wih three goals and two assists.