Birmingham City are looking to bolster their defensive department this summer and have identified a Scottish fullback currently plying his trade in Austria, according to the latest reports.
The Blues are hoping to bounce straight back to the Championship after an unprecedented relegation to League One last season. The club have already made waves in the transfer window, signing top goalscorer Alfie May from Charlton Athletic for a reported £775,000 fee, while Emil Hansson has also moved to St Andrew’s for £1.5 million.
Furthermore, the West Midlands outfit have acquired the services of Ryan Allsop from Hull City and Bailey Peacock-Farrell from Burnley following the Clarets’ relegation from the Premier League. With the goalkeeping department now ready, new head coach Chris Davies is keen to move onto his backline.
Former Manchester United academy graduate Ethan Laird was the club’s first-choice at right-back last season but Davies wants to add some competition for the 22-year-old. Sky Sports News have reported that Birmingham City are eyeing up a move for Sturm Graz fullback Max Johnston this summer but face stiff competition from Championship sides Oxford United and Luton Town.
Johnston, a Scotland U21 international, made 29 appearances for the Austrian side last season as the club lifted the league and cup double and, as a result, qualified for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League.
Additionally, according to Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old has a market worth of £850,000. However, Sturm Gruz is only willing to let him go on loan for the upcoming season, which may be preferable for certain suitors.
In the last 24 hours, the Austrian champions have also declared that they have finalized the signing of Mika Biereth, an Arsenal player who was Sheffield Wednesday’s main transfer target. The estimated value of the deal is £4 million.
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