Stockport County are reportedly keeping tabs on a current Championship player, as a result of an opposing deal that could play into Dave Challinor’s sides hands.
The League One side have bounced back following a disappointing run of form, to win four on the spin and now find themselves fourth in the table, six points clear in the play-off places.
After losing Louie Barry earlier in the window, Stockport have recovered well and despite keeping three clean sheets on the bounce, Challinor’s side appear to still be in the market for a defender.
According to a report via the Pink Un and Darren Witcoop, Stockport County are closing in on the loan signing of Norwich City defender Brad Hills for the remainder of the campaign.
How has he fared this season?
The 20-year-old has featured six times in all competitions this season, with four outings arriving in the first-team setup while the other two were for the U21s in the Premier League 2.
Hills spent last season on loan with League Two side Accrington Stanley where he left a significantly promising impression before returning to the Canaries.
It now seems likely that he will spend the second half of the campaign in League One, chasing a potential Championship promotion.
What sort of player is he?
Hills started all 41 of his League Two outings last season, contributing to four goals and helped to keep an eye-catching ten clean sheets.
He also averaged 5.6 interceptions, 5.5 ball recoveries, 10.5 duel wins and 2.1 tackles per 90 minutes, proving to be an effective central defender who can press well and dominate physical battles.
With League One being a physical division, adding someone of Hills’ quality will further strengthen the club at the back and ensure the basic errors are cut out.
Is this a good move for Stockport?
After letting Sam Hughes leave on loan to fellow League One side Peterborough United, there is a gap at the back for the club to bring in a fresh face before Monday’s deadline.
Hills has less experience but his outings at Accrington Stanley proved to be very beneficial for his development and he will be hoping to pick up where he left off.
Stockport are currently chasing a top six finish at the very least in League One this season, and securing a defensive reinforcement could help to secure more points and ensure their place in the play-offs by the end of the campaign.