HITC Sport understands Birmingham and Barnsley eye Peterborough defender Tafazolli.
Ryan Tafazolli in action for Mansfield
Birmingham City and Barnsley are tracking Peterborough United defender Ryan Tafazolli, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the situation.
Tafazolli has impressed at Peterborough this season after joining the club on a free transfer last summer when his contract at Mansfield expired.
The powerful centre-back has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the lower leagues during his time at Mansfield and his short spell with Peterborough.
Peterborough beat a number of clubs to Tafazolli’s signature in the summer and his progress at London Road has alerted clubs higher up the football pyramid
The former Southampton trainee has made 140 appearances in his career after leaving St Mary’s in 2012.
Ryan Tafazolli (L) celebrates scoring for Mansfield Town
New Birmingham boss Gianfranco Zola is keen to strengthen his side’s defensive options this month after failing to win any of his opening four games in charge and he sees Tafazolli as someone who would prove a valuable addition to his plans.
Barnsley are also in the market for defensive reinforcements in case they lose Marc Roberts this month and they have been scouting Tafazolli.
Peterborough would not welcome any moves for Tafazolli this month, but they are bracing themselves for interest in the centre-back before the close of the transfer window.
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