Birmingham City ramp up interest in £2m-rated Sheffield United target

Birmingham City have reportedly reignited their interest in signing Swansea City centre-back Harry Darling ahead of the summer transfer window.

Blues secured promotion back to the Championship with their 2-1 win at Peterborough United on Tuesday night, so preparation for the upcoming market can now well and truly get underway.

Chris Davies’ side have already secured the services of highly-rated Hannover 96 defender Phil Neumann on a pre-contract agreement and Ben Davies could yet sign permanently from Rangers, but the hope is seemingly to add even more depth at centre-back.

Darling, arguably one of the best in his position in the Championship despite Swansea’s disappointing slump to 15th, could be an option. The 25-year-old has played 38 times in the league this season and hardly missed a beat for over the two campaigns previous, either, as he has more than repaid the £1.9 million he cost to sign from MK Dons in 2022.

His contract expires this summer, however, attracting many potential suitors rushing to try and secure his services before it’s too late. Wales Online reports Birmingham are monitoring Darling’s situation and are considering making an approach to sign him. Darling is also a target for Sheffield United, as per our sister publication, The Star.

What other Birmingham deals are in the pipeline?

Blues have been planning ahead for next season for quite a while now, first signing Neumann before turning Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Alfons Sampsted’s loan deals permanent. It’s understood shortlists are being drawn up for other positions, too, as Davies seeks to add even more quality to an already budding squad.

Bluenoses will be particularly delighted that versatility king 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 19 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.

Birmingham won’t be able to spend quite as freely as they did last summer as they must consider the EFL’s profit and sustainability rules. Blues lost £16.1 million for the financial year ending June 30, 2024 and then went on to spend considerably more than that in the summer transfer window that followed.

Championship clubs are allowed to incur a loss of £39 million over a three-year period, so the books must be balanced somehow or Blues must reduce their spending. This could explain the recent tendency for free transfers — a decent approach.

In other news, Davies has issued a reminder of his number one non-negotiable demand following Blues’ confirmed promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.