Birmingham City are keen to sign a left-back this summer and are weighing up a move for one of the best fullbacks in League One, according to the latest reports.
The Blues have already been incredibly active in the transfer market, having recently secured the services of Alfie May from Charlton Athletic, beating Huddersfield Town to the signature of the top goalscorer in England’s third tier last season for a reported £775,000 with add-ons.
However, May hasn’t even been the West Midlands outfit’s most expensive acquisition this summer. The club also announced the arrival of Emil Hansson last week, who had spent the last two seasons with Dutch side Heracles Almelo. It is believed that Birmingham paid a fee in the region of £1.5 million for the Norway-born winger.
Additionally, Birmingham City managed to massively strengthen their goalkeeping department following the departure of experienced shot-stopper John Ruddy to Premier League side Newcastle United. New head coach Chris Davies has managed to sign Burnley keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell as well as Ryan Allsop from Hull City.
Nevertheless, the arrivals are not set to stop there. It was revealed earlier today by Alan Swann of the Peterborough Telegraph that Peterborough United face a tough task to keep hold of left-back Harrison Burrows this summer as three Championship clubs are keen to sign the 22-year-old. But Swann claimed that there is also a “massive” League One side in the running.
It didn’t take long for this “massive” club to be named as journalist Darren Witcoop has now reported that Birmingham have joined the running for the fullback who recorded 23 goal contributions last season for the Posh. Additionally, Witcoop has said that Sheffield United have tabled an offer for Burrows but the ongoing takeover at Bramall Lane has held up negotiations from progressing any further.
It is believed that Peterborough and the Blades agreed a £2 million fee for the Englishman, although talks have seemingly stalled due to the uncertainty surrounding Sheffield United‘s ownership situation.
Writer’s View
Former Derby County defender Lee Buchanan was the first-choice left-back for Birmingham City last season after he arrived at St Andrew’s following a brief stint in Germany for just under £1.3 million. However, it looks as though Davies believes that the club can use an upgrade on the 23-year-old.
Burrows is younger and arguably has a much higher ceiling than Buchanan. His 16 assists and seven goals in the previous campaign are a testament to this. The wide defender has experience playing in midfield which has benefited him going forward and while he may still struggle defensively, the Blues would be signing one of the best left-backs in the English Football League should they win the race for his signature.
Deputy Head of Writing
