Ex-Celtic defender wanted by Championship clubs - Norwich, West Brom & Hull City must pounce | OneFootball

Championship trio Norwich City, West Brom, and Hull City could all benefit from the services of ex-Celtic star Filip Benkovic.

Championship clubs are all vying to strengthen their respective squads as the end of the January transfer window fast approaches.

The likes of West Brom and Norwich City have found themselves in an unexpected relegation fight, whereas Hull City are battling clubs such as Preston North End for a play-off spot.

Top-six hopefuls, like Birmingham City, have been busy in the transfer market making high-profile signings, including Ibrahim Osman on loan from Brighton, while league leaders Coventry City have acquired wingers Romain Esse and Yang Min-Hyeok on loan from Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, according to TEAMtalk's Fraser Fletcher via X, former Celtic defender Filip Benkovic is attracting interest from Championship clubs and Scottish outfits.

The 28-year-old currently plays for Swedish side AIK, while he previously plied his trade for Leicester City, Bristol City, and Cardiff City.

Football League World takes a look at three Championship clubs who should be keen on signing the man who won the domestic treble with Celtic in the 2018/19 season.

Norwich City

Largely thanks to the unsuccessful tenure overseen by former boss Liam Manning earlier on in the season, Norwich find themselves just two points clear of the relegation zone.

The Canaries have made a strong account of themselves under Philippe Clement in recent weeks, with three consecutive wins across all competitions, including Tuesday's 5-0 triumph over West Brom.

However, the Carrow Road club still boast an undesirable defensive record of 40 goals conceded in 28 Championship outings.

Therefore, former Bristol City man Benkovic could be an ideal signing for Clement, who needs more solidity in his backline ahead of the business end of the season.

The 28-year-old would add more experience to the Canaries' defence than that of Ruairi McConville, even if he has impressed recently alongside Harry Darling, while extra depth could be necessary with Panama international Jose Cordoba proving to be somewhat injury-prone.

West Brom

Eric Ramsay has endured a disastrous start to his tenure as West Brom boss, and needs all the help he can get before the transfer window slams shut.

The Baggies suffered a last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Welshman's first game in the dugout, before being battered 5-0 by Norwich on Tuesday.

Only bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have conceded more goals than the Black Country club's unwanted tally of 43 in the Championship this term.

On paper, the likes of Nat Phillips, Chris Mepham and Krystian Bielik are solid and reliable options, but they just have not proven to be in reality.

Therefore, a new defender should be at the top of Ramsay's wishlist, and Benkovic has previously proven his worth in the second tier, as well as in leagues like the Scottish Premiership.

Hull City

Unlike Norwich and West Brom, Hull are enjoying a successful Championship season so far, and deservedly occupy a play-off spot.

The Tigers have heavily bolstered their promotion credentials with a statement win over Southampton, who plied their trade in the Premier League last season, followed by a 3-0 triumph over fellow top-six challengers Preston.

Despite their positive results of late, Sergej Jakirovic's men have conceded 39 goals in the second tier this term, which is more than any other club currently occupying a play-off spot.

Benkovic would be a shrewd addition for the Tigers, as he could compete with John Egan and Semi Ajayi for a starting spot alongside former Wigan Athletic star Charlie Hughes - with Ajayi suffering a hamstring injury at the African Cup of Nations to leave Sergej Jakirovic another option short.

Furthermore, at the age of 28, the ex-Leicester man could be a long-term replacement for either Egan or Ajayi, who are 33 and 32 years of age respectively, and will perhaps be winding down at Championship level sooner rather than later.