Ian Poveda who came close to joining Birmingham City this year is on his way to a Championship club, according to a report.

A photo has emerged on social media of a player holding up a Sunderland scarf outside of their Academy of Light training ground and the Sunderland Echo say that is Ian Poveda. It was reported earlier this week that the Black Cats had hoped to beat off their Championship rivals to the signing of the winger and that appears to be the case.

The 24-year-old was a free agent after being let go by Leeds United, and was reportedly wanted by the likes of Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, and Luton Town. Poveda spent the second part of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and set up a goal in the Owls’ 2-0 win over Birmingham which contributed to Blues’ relegation. In an alternate world, Poveda could have been lining up for Birmingham City, as he apparently was ‘close’ to joining in the winter transfer window. Tony Mowbray, who was manager of the time, wanted to reunite with him after working with him at Blackburn Rovers, but he opted for a move to Hillsborough.

“Poveda is a good player, I would have to say,” said Mowbray to the BBC in February.

“We were very close to signing Poveda in this window just gone. “He’s a player I had at Blackburn Rovers and is a very talented young boy.”

It is unsure whether Poveda remained a target for Birmingham following Tony Mowbray’s departure. Craig Gardner is the technical director for the club and works with the manager on targets, and Chris Davies will have had his own ideas on the squad.