Birmingham City backed to '100%' beat Derby County to Ipswich Town deal | OneFootball

Blues have been urged to press forward in their reported swoop for Ipswich's Jack Taylor

Birmingham City's preparations for the 2026/27 Championship season have certainly ramped up in recent weeks, both in terms of performance levels in pre-season and movement in the summer transfer market.

Throughout his tenure as manager, Chris Davies has seen many hefty transfer fees parted with to secure the services of various players, including a club-record deal for striker, Jay Stansfield, two summers ago.

Last season, the 41-year-old also oversaw two major squad reshuffles following the club's return from League One to the Championship, but it wasn't enough for his team to mount a sustained bid for the play-offs.

Blues were also criticised by supporters for not recruiting as many players with prior experience in the Championship as what was potentially required to achieve success, but this has somewhat been addressed heading into the new season.

And, it is fair to say that some fans, as a result, may like the latest transfer rumour associated with the West Midlands outfit.

Birmingham City told why they 'need' to sign Ipswich Town's Jack Taylor

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Indeed, Blues have made five signings so far this window in the form of James Beadle, Dael Fry, Kristoffer Lund, Jhon Solis and Luis Vazquez, with three of those accustomed to Championship football.

It has now been claimed that another potential recruit could be Jack Taylor of Ipswich Town, with TWTD reporting that Davies' side are facing competition from Derby County and Sheffield United for the 28-year-old's signature.

It has been revealed that he may not feature in Gary O'Neil's first pre-season at Portman Road after recovering from a knee cartilage operation, but Football League World's Birmingham City fan pundit, Jason Moore, certainly backs this potential coup.

"100% I'd take him," Moore told FLW. "I've been screaming for it all summer. Championship experience, people that know the league and know their way around the Championship.

"I don't mind looking abroad and getting a decent pick-up like (Kristoffer) Lund, but I would be all over this signing.

"Go and get someone who knows the league with Championship experience, I'd like him to come in," he added.

"We're a bit light in central midfield. It depends on where he (Davies) wants to play (Tomoki) Iwata, but I don't think the quality in our midfield is particularly good.

"Solis looks a player, we need to see more from Paik, and we still need to replace Tommy Doyle from last season. I don't see that being Taylor Gardner-Hickman," Moore stated.

"We're still light in that area and we need some more bodies."

Jack Taylor would be a welcome addition to Birmingham City's midfield

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As Moore alluded to, Blues aren't exactly stacked with options in the centre of midfield at present, meaning a move for Taylor is one which makes sense.

During his spell at Portman Road, he has also racked up 106 appearances in the division and scored on six occasions, being a part of two promotion-winning sides under former Town boss, Kieran McKenna.

However, during Ipswich's last spell in the Premier League, the Irish international started just four of his 32 appearances, albeit it still showcased his worth as a squad player.

But, with Marc Leonard currently sidelined after sustaining an achilles issue on loan at Hearts, and Gardner-Hickman's future still in doubt, the need for further bodies is a must, especially with the aforementioned Iwata previously being utilised at right-back.

Derby County, Sheffield United transfer plans could ease Birmingham City's route to Jack Taylor

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Much like Blues, Derby and Sheffield United will be hoping to push for a play-off spot given the expansion from four to six teams, even though pre-season developments at Pride Park and Bramall Lane have also been contrasting.

That said, transfer plans in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire could aid Blues' route towards Taylor's signature, with Derby already re-signing Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg, whilst fellow former loanee, David Ozoh, could return to DE24 from Crystal Palace.

The Blades, meanwhile, are overseeing a rebuild under Chris Wilder, but whilst the likes of Gus Hamer and Sydie Peck continue to attract transfer interest, they are reportedly closing in on a second loan deal for Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City, with the 30-year-old arguably boasting far greater experience than Taylor given his Premier League and prior international pedigree.