REPORT: Sunderland join Birmingham in battle to sign Golden Boot-winning 17-goal forward

Ambitious Birmingham City are keen on prolific Beveran forward Goduine Koyalipou but may face a battle with Championship duo Sunderland and Cardiff.

•  Exclusive from Graeme Bailey

Despite their relegation from England’s second tier last term, this USA-backed Birmingham side have made a real splash in the transfer market

Alfie May, the League One Golden Boot winner for 2023/24, has joined from Charlton Athletic.

Birmingham have also snapped up a host of talent capable of taking the third-tier by storm, including goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Eredivisie imports Emil Hansson and Willum Thor Willumsson, former Bundesliga defender Christoph Klarer, and the stylish Marc Leonard.

Goduine Koyalipou would certainly be another statement addition to Chris Davies’ title-favourites.

Contracted to Belgian second-tier outfit Beveren, Koyalipou scored 17 goals in 32 games last season. Like May, that was a Golden Boot-winning tally.

A former France youth star who now represents the Central African Republic at international level, Koyalipou can play out wide but lead the line to excellent effect last term.