Why Birmingham City will be keeping a close eye on Brighton, Carl Rushworth developments | OneFootball

Carl Rushworth's Brighton future will have ramifications for Birmingham City

Brighton's Carl Rushworth has proven himself as probably the best goalkeeper in the Championship while on loan with league leaders Coventry City.

Frank Lampard's men are closing in on the second tier title, and are set to play in the Premier League next season.

The Sky Blues will have to enjoy a busy summer transfer window, as they look to build a squad that is capable of achieving top-flight survival.

Acquiring a new goalkeeper will be a priority for Coventry if they are unable to land Rushworth's permanent services following his remarkable Championship exploits, but it may also have a knock-on effect for a potential Birmingham City transfer pursuit for a different player too.

Why Birmingham City will be concerned with Brighton's Carl Rushworth call

Coventry will always be grateful for Rushworth's efforts this season, but the 24-year-old has, less favourably for Lampard, attracted external admirers.

According to GiveMeSport, Newcastle United are interested in Rushworth, as Edie Howe vies to bolster his goalkeeping options following a largely disappointing campaign.

The former Swansea City loan star's parent club, Brighton, could also decide to keep him among their ranks for next season's Premier League campaign.

Fabian Hurzeler's men will have more fixture congestion next term if they qualify for a European competition, which would prompt them to reshape their squad.

However, if the Seagulls sell Rushworth to Coventry or another interested party, it may have ramifications for Birmingham City's chances of retaining James Beadle, should they wish to go down that route.

As well as loaning Rushworth to the Sky Blues, Brighton have looked to develop Beadle by loaning him to Birmingham, and he has been a regular feature for Chris Davies' men.

But if the Seagulls sell the man currently on loan at Coventry, it could really damage Blues' chances of signing the 21-year-old either on a permanent deal or in another loan switch, as he may be required for a squad role on the South Coast.

Jason Steele is getting no younger as Bart Verbruggen's understudy, with 26-year-old Canadian Tom McGill currently third in command - should Rushworth be cashed in on this summer, Beadle could potentially be seen as a new second choice at the AMEX Stadium.

Chris Davies seemingly wants to keep James Beadle at Birmingham City

Birmingham boss Davies' job is under threat, as his side will finish in the bottom half of the Championship table unless they enjoy an upturn in form in the closing stages of the season.

Blues only won the League One title last campaign, but the ambitious ownership of Knighthead Capital Management meant that they were searching for a play-off spot this term.

However, Birmingham have fallen well short of that target, which means that they could change their manager this summer.

Should Davies remain at St Andrew's, though, the West Midlands outfit could be particularly keen on retaining Beadle.

As reported by The Athletic, following Blues' 3-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in March, Davies said: "James is a young goalkeeper with huge promise, and he’s come here to impact this season and develop.

"He will have done that, whatever happens at the end of the season. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper."

Beadle previously shone in the Championship for Sheffield Wednesday, helping them land a mid-table finish under former boss Danny Rohl, and has further developed his game at St Andrew's this term.

However, even if Davies remains at Birmingham, retaining Beadle may be out of their hands, as Brighton may feel as though they need the 21-year-old's services at the Amex Stadium, should they sell Rushworth this summer.