Birmingham City transfers: Two players linked, Jordan James latest and contract uncertainty

The transfer carousel is just getting started and Birmingham City will get involved once their managerial situation is resolved.

The Blues have released five players and another five have returned to their parent clubs on loan. It goes without saying that this will be an extremely busy summer in terms of inflows and outflows.

Genuine transfer links have been few and far between, most likely due to players waiting for clarity on who they will play. So far, Luke Ayling and George Byers have been linked with the Blues.

Experienced defender Ayling will be a free agent this summer when his contract at Leeds United expires. After spending the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough, where he registered eight assists in 19 games, Ayling is expected to make his move to The Riverside permanent.

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Signing Byers is a more realistic prospect. The 27-year-old midfielder was released by Sheffield Wednesday after spending the final six months of his deal on loan at League One side Blackpool.

Who could leave?

The Blues have offered John Ruddy and Lukas Jutkiewicz new contracts and are hoping to keep hold of the experienced duo. Goalkeeper Ruddy is believed to be interested in the Championship and Blackburn Rovers, managed by former Blues boss John Eustace, have been linked with the 37-year-old.

Jutkiewicz is keen to extend his Blues career into a ninth year but, as you’d expect, much will depend on the new manager and what other offers come his way. Given his experience and status in the game, Jutkiewicz won’t be short of offers either.

A number of those under contract could realistically leave the club this summer, but the one who will bring in the most money is Jordan James. The Wales international is the subject of interest from Italian side Atalanta, who ended Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten run to win the Europa League in midweek, with Premier League outfits also keeping track.

James has broken into the Wales XI over the past 12 months and would struggle to keep his place if he stays with the Blues in League One. Speaking to the BBC about James’ future, Wales manager Rob Page said: “I know there is certainly interest. I wouldn’t be surprised if he left. We’ll have to wait and see.”

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