Birmingham City have joined the race to sign Newcastle defender Grant Hanley this summer, according to a reliable journalist.
The Sun reporter Alan Nixon claimed on his personal Twitter account on Sunday evening that the Championship outfit were “going to have a go” this summer, and had identified the Scotland international as a target.
Hanley, 25, arrived at Newcastle from Blackburn on a five-year deal last summer, but has been heavily linked with an exit after falling foul to a lack of first-team opportunities during his nightmare debut season.
He made just 16 appearances in all competitions last term, including five starts from only 10 Championship matches, with Birmingham one of several sides understood to be keen on his services.
Blues boss Harry Redknapp will be targeting quality reinforcements this summer after masterminding their second-tier survival, and the out-of-favour Newcastle centre-back could be an available option.
The Chronicle had previously credited Championship quartet Derby County, Cardiff City, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers with an interest, although Derby may no longer be keen following the arrival of Curtis Davies from Hull.
The report also states that Newcastle have set their asking-price at £5.5million, where they aim to recoup what they paid for him one year ago.
But the Sheffield Star also claim that Sheffield Wednesday have already approached Newcastle over a possible deal for Hanley, suggesting that there will be no shortage of potential suitors should he seek a fresh start.