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Birmingham City are preparing for their summer business after lifting the League One trophy.
For the title-winning Blues, it will be a very welcome return for the fans following their relegation last season, but Wrexham supporters are heading for a significant era in their history. The Red Dragons have secured their third consecutive promotion, becoming the first club in the history of England’s top five divisions to achieve such a feat.
While Wrexham have already been warned they will not finish near the top of the Championship table next season, it hasn’t stopped their pursuit of exciting new signings. They are currently in competition with Birmingham over signing Swansea City’s Harry Darling.
Birmingham City fight for free agent defender this summer
Both Birmingham City and Wrexham are reportedly in a tug of war over the signature of Darling this summer, via Football League World.
The centre-back’s contract is due to expire in June, ending his three-year tenure in South Wales. But thanks to his impressive performances for the Swans, he is expected to have plenty of interest shown in him once the market opens for business.
Darling is expected to be an in-demand target this summer and he’ll be available to sign for a new club for free. Once he selects his new club, he can demand a significant signing on free and expect to be on top Championship wages.
The Blues are reportedly preparing a handsome offer to try and coax Darling to the West Midlands but Wrexham are willing to match them as they attempt to keep him in Wales. The two clubs will have to put their best pitch forward as they try to sway the defender’s decision.
Birmingham City target previously eyed by Premier League giants
Darling has turned a lot of heads over the years and has previously been on the radar of Premier League clubs. Football League World previously reported in 2022 that Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion had been monitoring Darling, who was impressing at MK Dons at the time.
The defender moved from boyhood club Cambridge Town to MK Dons in 2021 and seriously impressed during his short stint. In his first full season at the League One club, Darling contributed 10 goals and an assist in 49 appearances, showing off his ability to drive the ball forward and make himself known as a threat as well as the attackers.
While a move to the Premier League did not come to fruition, Chelsea and Brighton showing interest in a League One player showed how much talent was on display and how much clubs significantly higher than his previous level rated him.
Being able to sign such an exciting player on a free deal is always great business for any club. Birmingham must act quickly though, as Wrexham are determined to keep this historic run ticking and they will be eager to bring in the personnel required to finish as high up the Championship table as possible next season.
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