Birmingham City target Oxlade-Chamberlain in high-profile bid

Birmingham City have launched an ambitious pursuit of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, aiming to add a high-profile midfielder to their Championship promotion push. The 32-year-old England international, most recently with Besiktas, is said to be open to a return to English football, and Birmingham’s owners, led by Tom Wagner with NFL figure Tom Brady as a part-owner, are hoping the combination of financial backing and a clear path to the Premier League will persuade him to join the club’s upward trajectory.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s current situation remains fluid. He is publicly associated with Besiktas and has been pictured back in full training as preparations for the new season begin, but reports suggest the Turkish club would consider relinquishing him for the right terms. As a former Arsenal and Liverpool veteran with 35 England caps and a track record of playing at the highest level, he would bring leadership, experience and a versatility in attacking midfield and wide areas. Whether he would leave Besiktas as a free agent or as part of a negotiated transfer remains a point of discussion among clubs monitoring his situation, with Premier League rivals thought to be weighing up...