Birmingham City are one of the clubs leading the chase to sign Wes Hoolahan, after it was announced that the midfielder would be leaving Norwich City at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.  

Norwich moved to announce earlier this week that Hoolahan was set to depart in the coming weeks, with the 35-year-old Irish international ending a 10-year association with the Canaries.

According to the Irish Sun, Birmingham are one of the clubs leading the chase to sign Hoolahan in the summer, despite the threat of relegation still hovering over Garry Monk’s side.

Hoolahan is keen to stay in English football beyond the end of this season, which will be his last with Norwich at Carrow Road.

The 35-year-old has chalked up over 350 appearances in green and yellow, scoring 53 goals and winning promotion on three separate occasions, including twice to the Premier League.

Norwich announced that Saturday’s clash with Leeds United will be Hoolahan’s final appearance for the club, with Daniel Farke not set to include him in his squad on the final day of the season at Sheffield Wednesday.

Hoolahan’s suitors Birmingham are still in a relegation battle in the Championship, sitting five points clear of the bottom three with two fixtures remaining.

The Verdict

Hoolahan’s desire to stay in English football will alert a number of Championship clubs, and Birmingham’s interest can hardly come as a surprise.

Whether Birmingham win the race to sign Hoolahan could depend on them staying in the Championship, but the Irishman is a player that Monk could certainly get the best out of.

Birmingham are on the brink of survival now and Monk will be moving quickly to turn his attention to the transfer window when safety is guaranteed.

Birmingham fans… Is Hoolahan a player you’d like to see at St Andrew’s? Let us know your thoughts!