Blues might need to play their

BIRMINGHAM City are interested in a romantic reunion with Demarai Gray but the deal is far from easy to do.

- ALEX DICKEN

Blues are believed to hold an interest in Gray but there are numerous obstacles to overcome in order for it to happen. Not least a number of Premier League clubs and others competing in European competition also being keen to sign the 28-year-old.

Gray is seeking a route out of Saudi Arabia after two years with Al-Ettifaq. There’s another two years to run on his contract and his wages will be far higher than is feasible for a Championship club to take on, even one with the financial might of Blues under Knighthead Capital Management.

There's two pretty big hurdles to overcome for starters. But Blues have shocked observers before with the signing of Jay Stansfield last year. It would be an extraordinary coup if Blues could pull it off and their trump card is the ability to pull on Gray's heartstrings.

The Birmingham-born player forged his career at Blues after emerging from the club's academy to become a mainstay in the first team under Gary Rowett.