Birmingham City could be cleared to sign Bristol City’s Taylor Gardner-Hickman as Marcus McGuane heads for Ashton Gate, according to Bristol Live.
Birmingham City are still in the market for more fresh faces as they look to assemble a squad capable of storming back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
The Blues have have a host of statement signings with relegation having no impact on their spending. Last season’s League One top scorer Alfie May has joined with Willum Thor Willumsson and Christoph Klarer among the other big money additions.
The midfield is somewhere they’re still keen to bolster though. Now, a new name has emerged in reports.
According to Bristol Live, Birmingham City are looking to do a deal for versatile Bristol City ace Taylor Gardner-Hickman, formerly of West Brom.
The 22-year-old looks to be somewhat out of favour under Liam Manning and with Oxford United star Marcus McGuane set to head for Ashton Gate, the door could open for Gardner-Hickman to move.
He only joined the club permanently in January after a successful half-season loan but he could leave soon it seems. It is not said whether a deal would be permanent or on a temporary basis.
A great signing
Gardner-Hickman impressed enough to earn a permanent move to Bristol City but in Liam Manning’s system, he just doesn’t seem quite as good a fit as some of the other players on the books.
As such, while he has proven to be a solid player at Championship level and his versatility would be of value at any level, he’s better off heading elsewhere. He’ll have a better chance of regular minutes away from Ashton Gate.
Birmingham City are highly ambitious, so it’s not a surprise that they’re looking to tempt him down to League One.
Not only would they be signing the extra midfield option they desire, but Gardner-Hickman also offers them an option at right-back. He can play as a wing-back too.
Time will tell whether it’s a loan or permanent move. Regardless, he would be a great signing for the Blues.
Ahead of him in the pecking order
As touched on before, Gardner-Hickman is yet to be used in the Championship by Bristol City.
Max Bird, Jason Knight and Joe Williams have been preferred options while George Earthy is now in on loan from West Ham. With Marcus McGuane expected to join them, the former West Brom man will only be dropping further down the ranks.
That little game time is not what his ability warrants, so it’s only fair that he gets a move away from the club before the window’s end.
Birmingham City are hoping to be the beneficiaries, but time will tell if a deal gets done.