Birmingham City are attempting to secure one of their star assets to a new deal as Championship clubs come calling.
The Blues kicked off their League One season with a 1-1 draw with Reading, having to rely on a late penalty from summer signing Alfie May to share the points.
The relegated side have taken to the transfer market to ensure their stay in the third tier is short, the additions of May, Willum Willumson, Emil Hansson and Marc Leonard surprised many as they continue to outspend the majority of the sides in the league above.
However, one of their star assets, Siriki Dembele, has attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs. Despite this, manager Chris Davies is seemingly determined to keep hold of the 27-year-old.
According to Alan Nixon, the former Championship club are ready to offer a pay increase and a new contract to tie down their talented forward.
They are also reportedly close to signing his brother Karamoko.
One of the key issues facing Birmingham City following their relegation was not just bringing in top talent, but also convincing their already contracted players that their future is best served remaining with the club. A host of Blues players have been linked away, but as yet they have avoided any real catastrophic departures as they plot their return to the second tier.
Yesterday’s draw perhaps demonstrates that it may take some time for the star studded side to reach the peak of their powers and there are still question marks over whether the new manager can keep them all happy to guide them through what is looking likely to be a competitive and exciting League One season.
Keeping hold of Dembele could certainly be seen as a sign of intent and a show of trust from the player that he believes his side can gain promotion at the first time of asking.