West Brom target 'allowed to leave' Rangers as Birmingham City consider permanent swoop

West Brom are reportedly weighing up an approach for out-of-favour Rangers man Adam Devine this January as the full-back is allowed to leave Ibrox Stadium.

The Baggies are keen to add depth on the right side of defence, providing backup to the ever-so-reliable Darnell Furlong. Devine, capable of playing on either side, could be the man to supply such cover as the 21-year-old is set to be available for a bargain price.

Journalist Alan Nixon reports - via his Patreon page - that West Brom are eyeing a move for Devine before his Rangers contract expires in June as he’s been told he’s permitted to depart. A pre-contract agreement could either be reached or Albion could pay a small fee now to 100 per cent secure their target.

Devine, a Rangers academy product, has enjoyed loan spells at Motherwell, Brechin City and Partick Thistle in the past but he’s remained at Ibrox this term. The six-time Scotland Under-21 international has only made two competitive appearances in 2024/25, however, with both in the Scottish Challenge Cup.

With James Tavernier the clear first choice right-back, it’s been difficult for Devine to secure any guaranteed minutes at Rangers. That’ll be the case at West Brom too as Furlong is one of the first names on the team sheet, but at least Devine would have a fresh start.

Birmingham City plotting permanent Rangers swoop

In other transfer news, relating also to Rangers, Birmingham are considering making their loan for defender Ben Davies permanent. The former Preston North End man has impressed during the first half of the season, establishing himself as one of manager Chris Davies’ preferred starting centre-backs.

Birmingham World understands Blues would be delighted to get Davies on the books permanently. The 29-year-old, currently in his prime, is seen as a long-term option as Birmingham seek to return to the Championship. The fact Davies can be used at left-back if needed is appreciated, especially with the injuries suffered by Lee Buchanan, Ethan Laird and Alex Cochrane this campaign.

Davies isn’t the only defender Blues are trying to get to sign on the dotted line this winter as Hannover 96 star Phil Neumann is reportedly expected to be announced as a new Birmingham player very soon.

Neumann has been a powerhouse for German second-tier club Hannover ever since signing from Holstein Keil in 2022, making 81 appearances in his two and a half years to date. Capable of playing at centre-half, right-back or even defensive midfield, the 27-year-old could offer Blues great versatility – much like Davies.

Getting the Neumann transfer over the line is not only an achievement for Birmingham but also for the player. German top-tier clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, Augsburg and Union Berlin have all shown an interest in Neumann, described by Bild as one of the best defenders in Bundesliga 2, but he’s always been prioritising a move to England instead.

The arrival of Neumann could spell the end of Dion Sanderson’s career at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park. The ex-skipper has already fallen to fourth in the centre-back pecking order and he’d only become more dispensable if he dropped to fifth.