Birmingham City have reportedly decided not to sign Aston Villa’s Ben Swift.
Birmingham manager Gianfranco Zola before the match
According to the Birmingham Mail, Birmingham City have decided against signing Aston Villa youngster Ben Swift following a recent trial spell.
The Blues are struggling under Gianfranco Zola, as the Italian – who controversially replaced Gary Rowett as manager in December – has endured a nightmare start to life at St. Andrews.
With just one win in 14 games since taking the job, the 50-year-old is under pressure already, but there appears to be some focus on the future of the club having taken a teenage defender on trial this week.
Aston Villa left back Ben Swift is out of contract at the end of the season, and was given permission earlier this week to feature for city rivals Birmingham as a trialist.
Swift featured in the Under-23’s 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United in the Premier League Cup on Monday, started as a left-sided centre back in a three-man defence.
General view inside Villa Park
However, Swift has now been informed that he won’t win a permanent deal with Birmingham according to the Birmingham Mail, with the Blues looking elsewhere.
Swift, 19, joined Villa from non-league Maidstone United in 2014, and was tipped for a bright future upon his arrival, but has yet to break into the first team.
With an exit now expected when his contract expires at the end of the season, Swift may spend the final weeks of the season on trial with various clubs in a bid to win a contract.
Would you have liked to see Birmingham take a chance on Swift?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
