Breaking: Birmingham City set to agree deal with striker after contract talks

Birmingham City are close to signing striker Lukas Jutkiewicz to a new contract, Birmingham Live reports.

Birmingham City are destined into League One, but there is yet hope for their future.

Under their new ownership, the aim is that this dip to third-tier is just a setback on their path back to a higher level following three difficult years in the Championship.

Lukas Jutkiewicz, a veteran striker, has been on the books through thick and bad. However, with his contract expiring this summer and the expiration date approaching, his future has been clouded by uncertainty.

However, Birmingham Live believes that Jutkiewicz and Birmingham City are close to reaching an agreement. It is unclear how long the contract will last, but it will be a significant boost for Chris Davies.

The 35-year-old Jutkiewicz’s goal-scoring influence has decreased, but his experience and leadership are invaluable and might be crucial in their effort to return to the Championship.

Unmatched pedigree

Jutkiewicz is a fan favourite and a vital leader in the Birmingham City squad, so keeping him on board will be a nice boost for everyone at St. Andrew’s.

Someone with his credentials will be useful during such a critical season. The striker has tested himself at many clubs, but with 330 Blues matches to his name, the majority of his career has been spent with the club.

In that period, he has 66 goals and 27 assists, and he has captained the squad several times.

Jutkiewicz has only played 12 League One games in his career, but having played 473 times in the Championship, a drop to the third tier might restore his remarkable goalscoring form, which has helped him establish himself as a second-division fixture.

Blues’ striker options

Birmingham City are already in need of more options up forward, so keeping Jutkiewicz will offer the recruitment team one less player to seek in an area that can be difficult to strengthen.

There’s no doubt that incoming manager Davies will be looking to add a real talisman to the squad this summer. Jutkiewicz and Tyler Roberts may regain form after being relegated to League One.

However, with Jay Stansfield’s loan ending and Scott Hogan leaving, you’d imagine at least one striker is on the shopping list.

It remains to be seen who that is, but if Jutkiewicz signs a new contract, he may be competing for a starting berth.