Exclusive: Motherwell agree deal to sign Birmingham defender Emmanuel Longelo

Motherwell have agreed a deal to sign Birmingham City defender Emmanuel Longelo, sources have told Football Insider.

The former West Ham youngster, 24, will join the Scottish Premiership club on a permanent deal.

Sources have said that Longelo has agreed terms with Motherwell and will head up to Scotland to finalise the move.

He was down the pecking order at Birmingham having spent last season out on loan at Cambridge United.

Motherwell agree deal for West Ham academy product

Longelo came through the academy at West Ham, joining at under-10 level and working his way through the ranks.

In September 2020, the left-back made his senior debut for the Hammers during a 5-1 win against Hull City in the EFL Cup.

The 24-year-old made a permanent switch to Birmingham in January 2023 for a reported fee of £400,000.

Last season, Longelo started just three League One games while out on loan with Cambridge, with much of his playing time coming at the start of the campaign.

The Englishman is set to join a Motherwell side who appointed former IFK Göteborg head coach Jens Berthel Askou as their new manager last month.

Millwall
Longelo had a disappointing spell under Neil Harris at Cambridge

Port Vale and Blackpool ready bids for Aston Villa’s Marschall

Meanwhile, Port Vale and Blackpool are readying bids for Aston Villa goalkeeper Filip Marschallsources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old spent the last season in League Two with Crewe Alexandra, having previously had stints with MK Dons and Gateshead.

League One duo Port Vale and Blackpool are interested in either loan or permanent deals for Marschall as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options before the start of the new season.

Villa are willing to offload the keeper, who has struggled for promotion to the first team, where Emiliano Martinez is the long-established number one.