Birmingham City told Kwame Poku transfer reality as rival clubs vie for winger's signature
The promoted Blues are rebuilding their squad ahead of a return to the Championship - and are keen on the Peterborough United star
Birmingham City may 'struggle' to sign highly-rated winger Kwame Poku this summer due to Premier League competition.
The 23-year-old, who's contract at League One Peterborough United expires at the end of the month, is reportedly one of Chris Davies' targets going into a big summer transfer window for the promoted Blues.
But an obstacle to a potential move to St Andrew's has now emerged with new Premier League team Sunderland the "more likely" destination for the Ghanaian, according to reports.
And the Championship play-off winners are just one of the clubs said to be keen on Poku. Old Firm duo Celtic and Rangers, plus teams in Europe, are also reportedly showing an interest.
Such competition means pundit and former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie believes Blues are "up against it" to get a Poku deal done.
"I think Poku is a really, really good player," he told Football League World.
"He’s a young player who has got bags of ability, but obviously there are a lot of clubs that are sniffing around him, like Sunderland and Sheffield United.
"Birmingham are a team like Wrexham, who are newly promoted. I think they've got to bring in the right personnel who know the league and have potential to go again.
"That's what Birmingham and Wrexham will be looking to do this season."
Poku had a decent season for Posh last season, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists as they finished 18th in the third tier.
Hendrie added: "I think Poku would be a great addition for them, but there are clubs that definitely want to sign this young man.
"If Sunderland come in with an offer, you would think that being in the Premier League is the ultimate aim for these guys.
"As a player, you want to play at the top level and test yourself, and I'm sure Poku is the same because he's got the ability to go and play at the top of the Championship, maybe even the Premier League.
"If Birmingham have that drive, which I think they will have next season, it wouldn't be a bad thing for Poku to go to there knowing that he'll play football week in, week out.
“But on the flip side, after Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League, they need players. If Poku had to choose out of the two, it wouldn't surprise me if he picked Sunderland."