Exclusive: Lee Hendrie reacts as Birmingham City close in on £30k-a-week transfer | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie believes Kwame Poku would be statement signing for Birmingham City on their return to the Championship.

Lee Hendrie believes Birmingham City will feel back-to-back promotions are possible as they chase a summer deal for Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku.

Chris Davies’ side have enjoyed a remarkable campaign, with promotion and the League One title secured earlier this month. A 4-0 thrashing of Mansfield on Sunday also saw Blues beat the all-time points record in the third tier.

So, attention is already on next season, and Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner has made no secret that the wealthy US owners have major plans for the club, with promotion to the Championship just the first step.

Birmingham City eyeing up summer move for Kwame Poku

Serious investment has already gone into the playing squad, and another big summer is anticipated as Blues look to win another promotion.

And, one player on Blues’ radar is Poku, with the Peterborough winger having shone in the third tier this season, scoring 12 goals and registering eight assists in 27 games.

With his contract expiring, the 23-year-old is expected to be a man in demand, but FLW has revealed that Birmingham are preparing an offer worth up to £30,000 a week for Poku.

That highlights the financial power at the club, and speaking exclusively to FLW, ex-Aston Villa man and current Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie explained why this would be a statement signing for Birmingham if they can get it done.

“I think so (a statement of intent). I personally think they will attract players that can give them the drive to go for promotion again next season," Hendrie told FLW.

“With the owners, and the way they’re trying to steer the ship at the moment, I think they’ll attract a lot of big players - and Poku is one of those with bags of potential.

“He has been excellent in League One, and he’s still young, he’s got energy and goals. It is a sign of intent, because Birmingham will want to come into the Championship and let teams know that they’re not just coming in to stay up, they will want to go again.

“I do feel it’s a massive football club that is going forward, and it shows where they’re going by trying to attract players like Poku.”

Birmingham City must get their summer recruitment right

Birmingham’s spending after their relegation to League One attracted plenty of attention, as they assembled a ridiculously expensive squad compared to their rivals.

That shows the ambition of the owners, but in the Championship there are other clubs who can spend as well, so it’s not just about throwing money at it.

Wagner will recognise that, and Birmingham will need to spend wisely if they are to make that next step to the Premier League.

As Hendrie outlines, players will be attracted to the project at St. Andrew’s, and Poku would be a good bit of business when you consider he is available on a free transfer.

He fits the profile of the type of player that Blues should want, as he is young, hungry and determined to prove himself, as well as being very talented, so it will be interesting to see if he does join as part of Davies’ squad.