Birmingham City battle Blackburn Rovers to land Finnish international duo as ‘offer’ claim is made

Newly-promoted Championship side Birmingham City are reportedly expected to join Blackburn Rovers in the race to sign a highly-rated duo from Finland this summer. The Blues enjoyed the most successful season of any side in League One history after achieving a staggering 111 points last term and are now looking to assemble a team that can compete in the upper echelons of the Championship table.

Wide reinforcements are thought to be at the forefront of Chris Davies plans for next season, with the club being linked with two former academy graduates in Demari Gray of Al Ettifaq and the currently out of contract Nathan Redmond, who was once included in the England squad back in 2017.

However, fresh reports from EFL Analysis suggest the West Midlands outfit are also weighing up potential moves for a number of younger wide targets, with a pair of Scandinavian talents both being considered.

Casper Terho attracts Championship interest

Finnish Under-21 international Casper Terho is understood to be the subject of interest from Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers heading into the new season. The winger, who scored against Netherlands Under-21s in a 2-2 draw earlier in the tournament, is currently playing for Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium’s top-flight but spent the final six months of last season out on loan at SC Paderborn in the second tier of German football.

The 21-year-old, who has been capped two times at senior international level, is a winger that exploded onto the scene in 2021 with 15 goals in 27 matches in Finland’s fourth-tier before impressing in the top-flight with HJK Helsinki where he won three titles and finished as runner-up in the Finnish Cup.

He has an overall record of seven goals and three assists in 51 appearances for Union Saint Gilloise, who secured their 12th league title last term. Graeme Bailey in the report for EFL Analysis claims Blackburn have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign the player this summer although it’s not yet clear if it’s a loan or a permanent deal that’s been proposed. Similarly, Birmingham are thought to be keeping tabs on his availability.

Oliver Antman emerges as Birmingham City target

Highly-rated Go Ahead Eagles playmaker Oliver Antman is also the subject of interest from both Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers heading into the summer window. The 23-year-old is a regular for Finland with 20 international caps and seven goals. He’s primarily a winger that can also play on both the left and right, and he’s renowned for his excellent speed, agility and technical qualities.

He came through the academy at Tikkurilan Palloseura in 2017 and has just enjoyed his best season to date with GO Ahead Eagles after registering six league goals and 15 assists in 32 appearances. It makes him the most creative winger in the entire Eredevisie and makes him a top target for a number of Championship sides. EFL Analysis claims Blackburn have been offered the player while he’s also been put forward as a strong option for Birmingham City.

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