Derby County and Birmingham City eyeing €5m winger transfer | OneFootball

Derby County and Birmingham City are among a host of clubs tracking Basel's Philip Otele.

Derby County and Birmingham City are two of the clubs that will be hoping to benefit from the new extended play-off format this season.

The Rams missed out on a top six finish on the final day of the previous campaign, whilst Blues ultimately came 10th after an inconsistent period under Chris Davies.

However, there’s no denying they are two clubs on the rise, and, with both seemingly having strengthened in the summer, they will see coming in the top eight as a very realistic target.

Derby and Birmingham in battle to sign Basel forward Philip Otele

As is often the case for clubs with comparable ambitions in the Championship, Derby and Birmingham are shopping in similar markets this summer.

And, one player who is believed to be on the radar of both clubs, according to GiveMeSport, is Basel attacker Philip Otele.

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The 27-year-old has impressed in Switzerland in recent years, which prompted Hamburg to sign Otele in January on an initial loan.

However, his time in the Bundesliga didn’t always go to plan, as he managed just one goal in nine appearances, even though Hamburg managed to stay in the top flight with relative ease.

Interestingly, the update claims that Otele decided against a permanent move to Hamburg, as he wants to find a club that will play to his strengths, as he had to play in a more defensive role at times in Germany.

Even though he has featured in Basel’s early games this season, a move is on the cards, with the report stating a fee in the region of €5m could be required to seal a deal for the Nigerian international.

It’s added that Derby have held talks with Otele over a move, with Blues having also been interested in the player in January.

Yet, neither Championship side will have a free run at the player, as clubs in Italy and Saudi Arabia are also keeping tabs on the former CFR Cluj man.

Philip Otele could flourish in the Championship if he seals €5m move

It’s no surprise that there is interest in Otele, as he has plenty of attributes that could make him a success in the Championship.

Furthermore, it’s also easy to see why Birmingham and Derby want the player, as he has qualities that both are lacking.

For Blues, they haven’t replaced Ibrahim Osman since he returned to Brighton from his loan spell, so they are lacking someone of that profile, and Otele fits the bill with his speed, direct style and ability to carry the ball.

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It’s a similar story at Derby, as Jaydon Banel, who was on loan from Burnley, gave them that attacking spark they sometimes lack during the final part of the previous season.

So, you can imagine John Eustace was prioritising a quick, attacking player who could give the team even more threat on the counter-attack, as well as helping to break down low blocks.

At 27, Otele is the sort of signing that can come in and hit the ground running, and the suggested €5m fee is not a huge sum.