Transfer latest: Sunderland winger Buckley joins Birmingham on loan

Out-of-favour Buckley has been expected to leave the Stadium of Light ever since returning from an ill-feted loan spell at Leeds United in November.

The ex-Brighton man has not featured at all for Sunderland’s first-team this season, with the departure of Dick Advocaat and appointment of Sam Allardyce making no difference to his prospects.

Birmingham have been leading the chase for Buckley since the transfer window opened and they have now signed the 26-year-old on an initial month-long stint.

Buckley represents another success in Sunderland’s attempts to offload the dead-wood at the club after midfielder Liam Bridcutt extended his loan spell at Leeds earlier this month.

“Will is a player that we really like,” said Birmingham boss Gary Rowett.

“Of course he’s been in a play-off challenge with Brighton the season they got to the play-offs and he’s a player that I think most people would say 18 months ago he was probably one of the best attacking players in this division.

“The challenge for us and the challenge for Will is can we be the right fit to get him back to those sorts of performances?

“That’s what we’re going to do and hopefully he’ll be a good signing for us.”