Exclusive: Birmingham battle Hull and Norwich in Louis Oppie transfer race
Birmingham, Hull, and Norwich are amongst a host of clubs chasing Arminia Bielefeld defender Louis Oppie, sources have told Football Insider.
Oppie is attracting strong interest in England but Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin have submitted an offer for the defender in a bid to bring him to the German capital.
The 23-year-old left-back enjoyed a strong season in Germany’s third-tier, scoring three and assisting eight as his team won the league, achieving promotion to the 2. Bundesliga.
Arminia not only enjoyed a successful league campaign but also completed a stunning run to the DFB Pokal final.
Birmingham, Hull, Norwich battle for Oppie
On the way to a match-up against VFB Stuttgart that would ultimately end in heartbreak, the team knocked out Bundesliga sides Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen, with Oppie starting all six of his side’s games in the competition.
Oppie is in demand after impressing during his time with Arminia. Birmingham are fresh off a promotion-winning campaign of their own, having set a new record points total for an EFL side last season.
The Blues have Alexander Cochrane at left-back already, but with little depth behind the former Hearts defender, signing Arminia’s fullback would give boss Chris Davies a more attacking alternative.
The Tigers, meanwhile, are in desperate need of wholesale additions this summer after surviving relegation by the skin of their teeth.
Sources told Football Insider that Hull had rejected an offer for Cody Drameh from Derby County, but with interest in the former Fulham man, Sergej Jakirovic’s side may be forced to sign a new left-back this summer.
Kenny McLean was a strong performer for Norwich, but with the Scottish defender now 33 years old, finding a replacement for the Canaries’ long-serving stalwart is a pressing issue.
Birmingham looking to improve side after stunning League One campaign
Following their return to the Championship, Davies’ side are set for a busy summer as they look to build on last season’s successes.
Sources revealed to Football Insider that Birmingham are interested in signing wonderkid Mikey Moore on loan.
However, the Blues will be rivalled by West Brom for the 17-year-old, and the Baggies are in a strong position to sign the youngster as he has worked with new boss Ryan Mason at Tottenham.