Birmingham City closing on first January transfer and the latest on Phil Neumann
Birmingham City are looking to wrap up the signing of experienced defender Grant Hanley from Norwich City, BirminghamLive understands.
Scotland international Hanley has been targeted by Blues to replace the recently departed Dion Sanderson. Blues allowed Sanderson to complete a loan move to Championship side Blackburn Rovers last week.
Hanley, whose Norwich contract is due to expire in the summer, has only played four games this season and wants to compete for regular football during the second half of the campaign. While at Carrow Road, Hanley has won promotion to the Premier League on two separate occasions.
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The 33-year-old’s signing would give Chris Davies four options in central defence once again. It is believed that Hanley will sign a short-term deal at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
However, a deal for Hanley would lessen Blues’ chances of signing German centre-back Phil Neumann this month. The 27-year-old is set to sign for Blues on a free transfer next summer.
They have explored the possibility of signing Neumann in the current transfer window but the club won't pay over the odds to Hannover 96. The likelihood is that Neumann will join in July when it is hoped Blues will be a Championship club once again.
