Sources: Birmingham City in last-gasp move to sign USA star George Bello
Birmingham City have made a late move for USA defender George Bello, sources have told Football Insider.
The left-back, 21, has emerged as a target for multiple sides after catching the eye for Arminia Bielefeld in 2. Bundesliga in the last 12 months.
Bello is understood to be available for a cut-price fee of £1.5million following Arminia’s relegation from the German top-flight last summer.
Birmingham City boss Jon Eustace is keen bolster his side’s defensive options before the close of the transfer window and is ready to beat several Championship rivals to Bello’s signature.
The defender’s contract at Arminia runs until 2026 after he joined from Atlanta last January.
Bello has made a total of 15 appearances for the German side across all competitions this season.
The USA international began his career with Atlanta’s youth setup before progressing through the ranks to join their senior side in 2019.
He made 59 appearances for the MLS club during his spell at the club and scored three goals and provided five assists in those outings.
Birmingham are looking for defensive cover as they sit hovering above the relegation zone in 19th place in the Championship, just seven points clear of bottom of the table Wigan Athletic.
The midlands club have last all of their last five league games ahead of their fourth round FA Cup replay against Blackburn Rovers today (31 January).
In other news, according to sources, George Hall’s exit from Birmingham City ‘inevitable’ as Leeds United in pole position.