Oxlade-Chamberlain attracting interest after Besiktas exit

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is returning to England after two years in Turkey

Birmingham remain interested in former England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his departure from Besiktas.

The 32-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving the Black Eagles following two years in Turkey.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is also understood to have Premier League interest while a sentimental return to Southampton - where he started his career - cannot be ruled out but strong interest remains from St Andrew's.

Ambitious Blues, promoted after winning League One with an EFL record of 111 points last season, are determined to challenge for promotion to the Premier League this term and are considering bringing Oxlade-Chamberlain in.

The ex-Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder, who won the Champions League in 2019 and Premier League with the Reds in 2020, is eager to return to England to be with his young family.

Wages are not expected to be an issue with Oxlade-Chamberlain believed to be realistic and aware not to price himself out of any move, while Besiktas said they had agreed to pay him compensation of 1.75m euros (£1.5m) under the terms of his termination.

The midfielder, capped 35 times by England, made 50 appearances for Besiktas after leaving Anfield in 2023, scoring five goals, and won the Turkish Cup in 2024.

He enjoyed a good relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - who was sacked by the club on Thursday - with the former Manchester United boss previously praising his professionalism and experience.

He made 18 appearances, scoring once, in the second half of last season as Besiktas finished fourth to qualify for the Europa League.

But they were knocked out of the competition by Shakhtar and failed to reach the league stage of the Europa Conference League after losing in the play-offs to Lausanne on Thursday, which cost Solskjaer his job.