Birmingham City could go head-to-head with local rivals Aston Villa for the Barnsley captain.
Barnsley captain Marc Roberts [right]
Birmingham City have joined the race for Barnsley captain Marc Roberts, the Mirror reports [8 June, page 58].
Blues boss Harry Redknapp is said to be eyeing the centre-back as part of his quest to turn the St Andrew’s outfit into Championship promotion contenders next season.
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp [right]
Roberts has impressed since Barnsley’s promotion to the second tier a year ago, in what was his first season at that level.
And the Yorkshireman, who was playing non-league football until mid-2015, has also been linked with a move to Birmingham’s local rivals Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.
Roberts has been valued as highly as £5 million in some places, although with his contract up at the end of next season Barnsley could be pressured into a lower deal.
And Aston Villa, who raided Oakwell for James Bree and Conor Hourihane in January, could have the upper hand on Redknapp’s men, should the 26-year-old have a straight choice to make.
Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane
Having said that, some reports have suggested that Steve Bruce must raise his own funds before he can add to his Villa squad this summer.
Could Barnsley’s Roberts choose Birmingham City over Aston Villa?
Birmingham City St Andrew’s stadium
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
