Birmingham City are eyeing a January move for Derby County star Eiran Cashin but face significant competition from Premier League sides.
The 22-year-old is wanted by Wayne Rooney’s side as they attempt to climb back up the Championship rankings, according to Team Talk, but they’re not alone. Middlesbrough are also thought to be interested in the Irish defender, but they, too, could be set to miss out. That’s because four Premier League clubs are thought to be hunting his signature, with Brighton top of the bill.
The Seagulls were in for the left-footed centre-back in the summer, but he stayed put, seeking to establish his reputation with the Rams. He’s done that, but as Paul Warne’s side toils away in the top six, they also look set to cash in on Cashin. Roberto De Zerbi is likely to be at the head of the queue, but he won’t be alone.
Cashin, who has represented Ireland up to Under 21 level, is also a target for struggling Burnley and current Europa Conference League champions West Ham United. Even Sheffield United have been credited with an interest, despite manager Chris Wilder only having been in post a few hours. One thing is for sure – once the calendar flips over to 2024, clubs are going to be circling Pride Park like vultures.
That makes it much harder for the Blues to secure their man despite Cashin having played under Rooney before. The Mansfield-born player might also wish to remain in the Midlands, which could play into Birmingham’s hands.
He came through the ranks at Derby, and the club have already stated their desire to keep him and fellow prospect Max Bird with them as they plot a course back to the Championship. With 92 senior appearances, just 18 in the second tier, the young defender is still largely unproven.
However, that isn’t putting off a wide collection of clubs coveting his signature, and a move away in January looks almost inevitable.
Writer’s View
A move for Cashin looked almost certain in the last transfer window, only for talks to break down late on. That always left his future up in the air, and as we roll back around towards the silly season of the open window, the rumours have started already.
It’s clear why he’d be attractive to Birmingham. He’s a tough, rugged player, and he’s left-footed, making him a rare commodity. Remember, he also got his breakthrough under Rooney at Derby and looked comfortable in the high-pressing style preferred by the former England striker.
The youngster has so many qualities – he can ping a crossfield ball, he’s good in the air despite only being six feet, and he was top five in League One for interceptions last season. He looks to have a big future ahead of him, and that seems increasingly unlikely to be in the white of Derby County.
Will it be in the Blue of Birmingham City? Despite the Rooney connection, it feels unlikely with so many significant players in the game.
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