Birmingham City are interested in the signing of Brentford centre-back Harlee Dean, according to the August 29th print edition of the Daily Telegraph.
Dean, who was stripped of the captaincy at Griffin Park following ongoing speculation surrounding his future, has been earmarked by Birmingham manager Harry Redknapp as a player who will greatly improve the Blues’ backline.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Brentford expires at the end of the season, with the Bees reportedly ready to cash in on the centre-back if the price is right.
Dean has made more than 200 appearances for Dean Smith’s side since arriving in Middlesex on a permanent deal from Southampton in 2012, establishing himself as a key figure on and off the pitch, as well as becoming a fan favourite amongst the Griffin Park faithful. Dean will be a big loss for Brentford, if he decides to move on.
If Redknapp does succeed in capturing the defender, he will become the tenth new arrival at St. Andrews this summer, as the former Tottenham manager attempts to freshen up Blues’ squad. There have been some rather impressive additions, with the likes of highly-rated goalkeeper David Stockdale signing from Brighton, Jérémie Boga joining on a season-long loan from Premier League champions Chelsea, and former Barnsley captain Marc Roberts arriving from Oakwell, among many others.
Redknapp has previously spoken of his great frustration in the transfer window thus far, despite all these new additions, but if he pulls off this deal to sign Harlee Dean, it is fair to say that he won’t receive too much sympathy from Brentford supporters.
