Birmingham City have decided against making a move for Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien during the current January transfer window, according to fresh reports.
Midlands reunion off the cards
The 31-year-old club hero at the Stadium of Light is anticipated to be available this month after struggling for game time following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League. Despite being a mainstay in their Championship campaign last season, O'Nien has been restricted to just two substitute appearances in the top flight this term.
A return to the second tier now looks likely for the experienced player, mirroring the situation of his former teammate Patrick Roberts, who is currently on loan at Birmingham from Sunderland. Speculation had linked O'Nien with a potential reunion with Roberts at St Andrew's, alongside other Championship sides West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City.
However, BirminghamLive understands that O'Nien is not a target for Chris Davies's side, effectively ending any prospect of the two promotion winners linking up again in the Midlands this season.
Defensive focus remains for Blues
Instead, Birmingham's recruitment efforts are believed to be centred on strengthening their options at centre-back. This need has been heightened by the uncertain future of current loanee Eiran Cashin.
The Brighton & Hove Albion defender, who has found minutes hard to come by under Davies, faces the possibility of being recalled by his parent club and potentially sent out on loan to another Championship team to gain more regular football.
Current defensive options at St Andrew's
Davies's existing central defensive roster includes club captain Christoph Klarer, Phil Neumann, and the veteran Jack Robinson. Securing additional cover and competition in this area appears to be a priority for the Blues hierarchy as they look to build a squad for the second half of the Championship season.
The January window represents a critical opportunity for Birmingham to address their squad needs, and while a move for Luke O'Nien has been ruled out, activity in other areas of the pitch is expected before the month concludes.
