Birmingham City‘s long-standing pursuit of a new centre-back has hit yet another snag as one key target looks set to join a Championship rival.
Chris Davies’ side have been searching for a new permanent choice at the heart of their backline after Ben Davies departed the club following the end of his loan spell. Whilst the former Liverpool defender has been earmarked for a potential return to St. Andrew’s, no news has emerged about whether he will stay with the Scottish giants.
Darling Set For Manager Reunion
Another key target was Harry Darling, who is on his way out of Swansea City after wishing to pursue other options. Whilst Alan Sheehan’s side had offered him new contracts, the 25-year-old expressed his desire to leave and The Jacks instead signed Bolton Wanderers captain Ricardo Santos.
Multiple Championship sides have been reportedly battling to sign Darling, including The Blues, fellow League One promoted side Wrexham, Stoke City and Sheffield United. Other destinations, including Rangers, now managed by former Southampton boss Russell Martin, were also in the fray.
However, according to The Pink ‘un, it is Norwich City who have won the race to his signature, with the club in the process of finalising a deal which will take Darling to Carrow Road. City, managed by ex-Bristol City boss Liam Manning, had previously discussed and confirmed their interest in the defender during the 39-year-old’s debut press conference.
Darling worked with Manning when the pair were at Milton Keynes Dons, with both going on to establish themselves in the second tier over the past 18 months. The centre-back, who was born in Cambridge, joined Swansea in 2022 and made 112 appearances for the club.
Writers’ View
After both Liam Manning and Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper openly discussed the rumours linking Harry Darling to their club, it looked set that he would join The Canaries. For Birmingham City this is a blow in their quest for a new defender, and now perhaps this move will rekindle their pursuit of Ben Davies. However, it is no reason to panic as there is still plenty of time still in the transfer window and it seems that their former loanee was their main target heading into the summer. Other names have also swirled within the rumour mill, including Luton Town defender Teden Mengi.
