Championship transfer news: Birmingham City 'target experience' of Premier League title winner

Birmingham City have reportedly identified Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a transfer target for the final two weeks of the summer transfer window.

Blues are targeting back-to-back promotions and aiming for the Premier League under their ambitious American owners, making a fast start to life in their first season back in the Championship.

Four points have been collected from matches against Ipswich Town and Blackburn Rovers, an immediate return for Chris Davies who has been given the freedom to add to his squad.

Eight senior signings have been made since June, yet it appears that there is ambition to make further statement acquisitions before the September 1 deadline.

According to Sky Sports News, the West Midlands outfit are interested in bringing Oxlade-Chamberlain back to English football.

Birmingham show interest in former Liverpool star

Oxlade-Chamberlain has spent the last two years in Turkey with Besiktas, making 50 appearances in all competitions, but he has been made available for transfer.

In fact, it is alleged that the former Liverpool star and Premier League winner is available on a free transfer, something that seemingly appeals to Birmingham.

The recently-turned 32-year-old has less than 12 months remaining on his contract and it has been suggested for some time that he would be in favour of a return to his homeland.

Birmingham's hierarchy reportedly want to attract a player of Oxlade-Chamberlain's vast experience in an effort to bolster their promotion bid.

He has a total of 286 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, contributing 29 goals and 31 assists in those competitions.

Would Oxlade-Chamberlain drop into Championship?

Given that Oxlade-Chamberlain has played top-flight football since 2011-12, it is questionable whether he would be willing to drop down to Championship level.

On the flip side, Birmingham are one of the few sides that he may consider joining in the second tier of English football, former club Southampton being another.

If Oxlade-Chamberlain was to choose Birmingham, he would likely have to consider being a rotational squad option over a weekly first-choice.

That said, for someone who has not played more than 30 times in any of the last five seasons, that may work in his favour as he strives to stay fit.