Wayne Rooney reacts to Birmingham’s links with Lionel Messi’s former Inter Miami team-mate Josef Martinez

The Blues are, with NFL legend Tom Brady now an investor in the club and Manchester United icon Rooney calling the shots from the dugout, piecing together big plans for the immediate and long-term future. In order to hit their ultimate targets, shrewd business will need to be done in the transfer market.

There have been suggestions that Venezuela international Martinez is registering on the recruitment radar at St Andrew’s following his release as a free agent by MLS side Inter Miami. Rooney knows all about the 30-year-old striker from his time spent playing for and coaching D.C. United.

Martinez would add useful experience and goal threat to Birmingham’s ranks were a move to be made, but Rooney has said of the speculation suggesting that the South American is in his sights: “My honest answer is that's the first I've heard. Obviously I have sat down with the recruiting team and there are plans in place. I know him very well as a player, obviously playing in the MLS but that’s the first I’ve heard of it.”

Martinez hit 12 goals through 40 appearances for Inter Miami in 2023 – helping them to Leagues Cup glory alongside eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. He has also been linked with Premier League new boys Luton Town, while a switch to Brazil has also been speculated on as Internacional join his list of admirers.