3 defensive midfielders Birmingham City must keep in mind amid competition for 25-year-old
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Birmingham City are rumoured to be eyeing FC Heidenheim’s Lennard Maloney, but they’re not alone in targeting the defensive midfielder.
Birmingham City already have a squad capable of winning promotion from League One, and it could arguably compete at the higher end of the Championship too.
Nevertheless, the Blues aren’t resting on their laurels in the hunt for promotion and they’ve got another eye-catching target on the radar. Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has named them among the admirers of FC Heidenheim defensive midfielder Lennard Maloney, who looks set for a winter move with his deal up in the summer.
However, the League One title hopefuls have competition for his signature from Greek side PAOK and three unnamed Bundesliga clubs.
As such, it might be wise for Birmingham City to keep some alternative options in mind. Here, we put forward four defensive midfielders to consider…
Dejan Ljubicic – FC Koln
Versatile Austrian international Dejan Ljubicic may not be able to play as a centre-back like Maloney, but he offers his services in a range of midfield roles as well as on the right as a wing-back.
He’s performed well in 2. Bundesliga this season with three goals and three assists to his name in 13 outings but also has plenty of top-flight pedigree to his name.
The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and would be an ambitious yet shrewd signing for Birmingham City, be it for the winter or in the summer.
Isaac Hayden – Newcastle United
If the Blues fancy looking at a domestic option, they could do far worse than considering Newcastle United fringe man Isaac Hayden.
At 29, he’s perhaps an older option than someone like Maloney, but with that comes bags of Premier League and Championship experience. Hayden has played 118 times in the top-flight while also appearing 82 games in the second-tier.
As a combative, tough-tackling and hard-working defensive midfielder who will be free to leave St. James’ Park, he could be a valuable addition at Birmingham City.
Aiden O’Neill – Standard Liege
Last but not least, if Birmingham City favour another ambitions overseas signing, Standard Liege captain Aiden O’Neill may well come onto their radar.
The 26-year-old has been a hit in the Belgian Pro League but he’s got experience on these shores having spent time in the Burnley setup as a youngster. Defensive midfield is his main position but he can also drop deeper into the heart of defence if required too.
He has the leadership abilities to be a key player at St. Andrew’s and could definitely be a success in the Championship, let alone League One.
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