The four big Birmingham City transfer deals already in the pipeline - including swoop for £2m Rangers star

Birmingham City have just struck the magic number of 37 wins all competitions this campaign, the most ever achieved by the club in a single season.

Blues aren’t just on their way back to the Championship, they’re returning with a statement of utter dominance. Granted, an unprecedented transfer spend of over £25 million should always be enough to blow away the third tier, but the manner in which Birmingham have achieved their success has been mightily impressive.

Manager Chris Davies had never taken up a proper head coach role before this one; instead the Welshman was an assistant at several clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Celtic. It’s not easy to lead in the dugout for the first time, so Davies has done an incredible job regardless of the generous transfer kitty he was granted.

Promotion isn’t mathematically secured just yet but it’s an inevitability at this stage, with a 14-point lead to third-placed Wycombe Wanderers and a game in hand to boot. The real task begins next season, though, as Blues seek to build a second successive promotion push.

It certainly won’t be easy to carry on the momentum as the Championship is a different kettle of fish to League One, but the current squad looks in great nick to compete. Then there’s the summer transfer window, when Blues will have an opportunity to add further talent.

Birmingham City have four transfers in the pipeline

In fact, four deals are already either completed or in the works. Davies was keen to acquire the services of two loan players permanently, while another loanee could be bought in the not-too-distant future. Then there’s a pre-contract agreement for a defender.

First up, Bluenoses will be delighted that versatility king Taylor Gardner-Hickman is staying for the long term as Blues have agreed to pay around £1.5 million to Bristol City to sign him. That deal has already been communicated by both clubs, with the loan to become permanent from July 1.

Former West Bromwich Albion man Gardner-Hickman has proved to be a superb pick-up from Bristol as he’s started 18 League One matches and made eight substitute appearances this season. Most importantly, the 23-year-old has played in so many different positions; from right-back to central midfield, the left wing spot or even just in behind the striker, Gardner-Hickman is excellent wherever he’s told to play.

Alfons Sampsted is another player confirmed to be joining Blues permanently following his loan spell. The Iceland international took a long while to get settle at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, but he’s proven his worth as a starting right-back over recent weeks. The fee is undisclosed but Sampsted will be leaving FC Twente for Blues for good.

Onto another defender, Hannover 96 centre-half Phil Neumann will enter through the St Andrew’s doors at the beginning of July. The 27-year-old, both tall and quick, was wanted by several Bundesliga clubs but he decided to join Blues on a free transfer.

Signing Neumann is a real statement of intent from Blues, and it’s a great sign that the club is capable of attracting top-flight level players already. Jay Stansfield was a good example of that but Neumann is already an established star - much like Klarer was when he joined.

Last but not least, Birmingham World understands Blues are interested in signing Ben Davies permanently from Rangers, though it depends on the demands from the Scottish Premiership outfit. There’s a good rapport between the two clubs, at least, as Birmingham recently signed Scott Wright and Kieran Dowell in addition to Davies.

Locked in as one of the first names on the team sheet, Davies has built a formidable partnership with central defensive partner Christoph Klarer. Both have been brick walls for Blues this season, very rarely putting in performances below a seven out of 10.

Davies has done so well that captain Krystian Bielik has warmed the bench for much of the second half of the campaign. Albeit at an early stage, talks have already taken place for Davies to possibly join Birmingham beyond his loan spell.