Birmingham City are continuing their plans to make an immediate return to the Championship this season, and they’ve identified a player who could make a crucial defensive difference moving into the second half of the campaign.
The Blues are reportedly close to signing German defender Phil Neumann from Hannover but that deal won’t be completed until the summer.
However, this hasn’t stopped Chris Davies’ side from targeting another centre-back and one player from the Championship has been linked with a move, although several second tier sides are also keen to land him.
As reported by the Swansea Independent, Birmingham City are keen to sign Swansea City defender Harry Darling, whose contract talks have stalled with the Championship side.
Fellow journalist Darren Witcoop has also reportedly Birmingham’s interest along with Bristol City.
Sell before Birmingham buy
Birmingham City currently have several centre-back options at their disposal, with the Swansea Independent reporting that the League One side would have to sell before they could try and tempt Darling to join the club.
Currently, their options include Rangers loanee Ben Davies, Christoph Klarer, Dion Sanderson and Krystian Bielik who are all capable of starting in League One.
With Neumann also set to arrive in the summer, Birmingham would have five main options but only operate with two at a time, further highlighting why they’d need to offload at least one before someone else arrives.
Do they stand a chance?
With Darling only having six-months left on his current contract and talks between all parties being stalled, there is always a chance for an opposition side to swoop in and prize the defender away.
However, Darling is likely to have plenty of Championship interest as the window develops and that would throw a spanner into Birmingham’s plans due to the current league difference.
The 25-year-old has contributed to five goals in 23 Championship appearances so far this season and has played just under 100 total career matches in the second tier, making a switch down a division unlikely.
However, Birmingham’s substantial summer spending (particularly on Jay Stansfield) has proven that they aren’t afraid to throw money at players and that could be a factor that plays into their favour.