Coventry, Hull and Ipswich now racing to sign “colossal” £17,500-a-week star in January
Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City are looking to improve their squads in the January transfer window, in an effort to boost their survival bids.
All three sides were promoted from the Championship last season, and they have been faring relatively well in the Premier League, as none of them are currently occupying places in the relegation zone.
There is still a lot of football to play, however, and Hull haven’t been in the best of form, with Sergej Jakirovic’s side without a win in their last seven matches, whereas Ipswich are winless in four.
Coventry, on the other hand, are in 17th place, with Manchester United, Sunderland and Crystal Palace below them, and all three sides evidently have plenty of quality, having qualified for Europe last season.
|
Premier League position |
Club |
Points |
Goal difference |
|
13. |
Hull |
11 |
0 |
|
14. |
Ipswich |
11 |
-5 |
|
15. |
Fulham |
10 |
-2 |
|
16. |
Nottingham Forest |
9 |
-4 |
|
17. |
Coventry |
9 |
-9 |
|
18. |
Man Utd |
8 |
-5 |
|
19. |
Sunderland |
8 |
-9 |
|
20. |
Crystal Palace |
7 |
-14 |
With that in mind, the Sky Blues may need a fresh injection of quality this winter, but manager Frank Lampard isn’t looking that far ahead, saying: “I think it’s something that we’ll look at closer to the time because there’s a lot that can happen between now and then. We’ve got a lot of football to play until January.”
However, with Lampard’s side conceding 19 Premier League goals already this season, the third-highest number in the division, it may be important to bolster the defence, and a Championship star has caught their eye.
Coventry, Ipswich and Hull in the race for Phil Neumann
A report from TEAMtalk states Coventry, Ipswich and Hull have all emerged as potential suitors for Birmingham City defender Phil Neumann, who has been one of the Championship league leaders’ stand-out performers this season.
The centre-back has played every minute in the league, and the Blues have been faring very well, with a 2-1 victory against Swansea City last time out solidifying their place at the summit of the Championship table.
All three newly-promoted sides are looking to improve their defences this winter, and it is no surprise the £17,500-a-week Birmingham star has emerged as a target.
Chris Davies’ side have the best defensive record in the second tier, having shipped just 14 goals this season, and the German has recently been lauded as “colossal” by former striker Sam Parkin.
The 29-year-old has been paramount to his side’s success, averaging 12.1 defensive contributions per 90, which is the highest number in Davies’ squad, while he has also proven his worth at the opposite end of the pitch by providing two goals.
Understandably, however, Birmingham are determined to keep hold of the Herten-born centre-back, as he could play a key role in their push for promotion, so it may be difficult to orchestrate a January deal.
Moreover, Neumann has no experience in the Premier League, so it may not be a major blow if Coventry, Hull and Ipswich miss out.
