Leonard in: 2 deals Birmingham City can be expected to make before the EFL kick-off on August 9th | OneFootball

The Blues are making serious waves in the transfer market this summer.

Highlights

With the dealings that Birmingham City have already done, and are reported to be doing, there's no wonder that they are one of the favourites to win League One.

If there was one move that encapsulated the Blues' desire to go out and smash the competition in an attempt to get back to the Championship as soon as possible it was signing Alfie May.

Last season's third tier top scorer joined a City team that, on paper, probably shouldn't have been relegated anyway.

On top of that, they have just sealed the signing of Hearts left-back Alex Cochrane, in a move reported to be worth £1 million. That level of money would be the majority of the budget for most other teams in the division, but not them. Birmingham have reportedly given first-time manager Chris Davies a £20 million war chest to work with.

But things aren't wrapped up yet, both in terms of the league and their transfer business. More work is still to be done, and they certainly look like they're going to be busy preparing for that first game of the season against Reading FC.

It's less than a month to go until the start of the 2024/25 League One campaign – here are two deals that we can expect Blues to get done...

Marc Leonard signs

Midfield players have been linked with Davies' side throughout the summer window and what better one to get than one of the most impressive ones from last season's League One campaign?

Marc Leonard, Brighton & Hove Albion's Scottish centre-mid, was outstanding for Northampton Town last time out, proving himself to be one of the best young players in the third tier, alongside the likes of Ronnie Edwards and Harrison Burrows, who has also been linked with a move to St Andrew's.

David Anderson of The Mirror reported at the start of the month that City were closing in on a deal for Leonard, one worth £450,000.

There appears to have been some hold-up in getting the deal done but it would be a surprise if the 22-year-old wasn't wearing Blue in League One come the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Jordan James moves on

As well as the Scotsman, Birmingham have also been linked with other number sixes/eights, including the likes of Cardiff City's Andy Rinomhota and Stoke City's Josh Laurent.

Their keenness to land a player in this position probably hints at a potential departure for the much revered Jordan James.

The midfielder has attracted the attention of many Italian teams in the few couple of transfer windows. Gazzetta have reported that James, who's contract is up next summer, has been a target of Atalanta since last summer.

They are still said to be interested in him, and they are hoping that Birmingham's relegation to League One will make them lower their £10 million valuation.

Bologna, who have also qualified for the Champions League for next season alongside Atalanta, are also believed to be keeping an eye on James, as per Tutto Mercato.

Birmingham aren't exactly in need of the money, but there may come a point that they must relent to the wishes of the player if he wants to take one of the opportunities in front of him.