Birmingham City face stiff competition from Championship rivals Middlesbrough for winger Jeremy Sarmiento.
The Midlands side were close to sealing a switch for the Brighton loanee, who is currently at Serie A side Cremonese.
Brighton are set to recall the Ecuadorian, who has struggled for minutes in Italy, before selling him on a permanent deal.
Blues boss Chris Davies was hoping to add to his squad after coming under pressure due to the club’s inconsistent form.
He is one of the favourites in the Championship sack race, with this season’s promotion hopefuls currently in 13th.
Lee Carsley is favoured as his replacement in the next Birmingham manager odds market.
Middlesbrough Want To Gazump Birmingham For Jeremy Sarmiento
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg refused to rule out Sarmiento’s switch to Boro after the club launched a late £3.2million offer.
It’s reported that Boro had initially pulled out of a deal but then returned with a bid after learning of Birmingham’s interest.
Sarmiento, who has already been promoted from the Championship on two occasions with Ipswich and Burnley, would prefer a move to Teesside.
When quizzed on Sarmiento’s potential arrival, Hellberg said: “I actually don’t know. We are trying to look at what is best for the club. We are trying to look for ways to strengthen the club.
“It’s having two thoughts in your head, like we talked about previously, is it for now or is it for later? I think it was good to see Leo [Castledine] today, he did good for 45 minutes – that was good for him to get those minutes.
“Now we’re looking at if we can strengthen the squad. Specific names are always difficult in this type of time because it goes back and forth sometimes, so I will not say too much.
“I know him. He’s played in Brighton, of course, and I told you before I watched them play some Premier League games when I watched De Zerbi. So I’ve seen him. Good player.”
Brighton Looking At Championship Striker
It could be one in, one out at Brighton as they chase Charlton striker Micah Mbick.
The Seagulls have had two bids rejected for the 19-year-old forward, with the second topping around £3.5million.
Mbick is currently on loan in League Two with Colchester but has been hugely impressive.
He is considered one of the brightest talents in the football pyramid and earned his first call-up and debut for the England U20 national team in November 2025, playing in a 1–1 draw against Japan.
