Going Dutch may appeal to Cotterill
BLUES have been linked with a move for Feyenoord defender Miquel Nelom.
The 27-year-old left-back is out of contract in the summer and the Dutch club are listening to offers this month to ensure they don’t lose the player on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Nelom has won two caps for the Netherlands – both coming in 2013 – after representing the country at under-20 and under-21 level.
He has been a regular for the Eredivisie club in recent seasons and played in the Champions League defeat to Manchester City in September.
But the full-back is open to a move to England and Blues are monitoring the situation, according to sources. Manager Steve Cotterill could look to strengthen his options on the left-hand side of defence, where Jonathan Grounds is the his first choice ahead of Arsenal loanee Cohen Bramall.
Cotterill has confirmed talks with the Gunners will take place this month to discuss Bramall’s season-long loan deal. He has only made two Championship appearances this term.
Meanwhile, free-scoring Jack Marriott is focusing firmly on his football – despite the constant reminders from his pals about the January transfer window interest.
Peterborough’s £5 million-rated striker has bagged 23 goals this season and Blues are keen on the 23-year-old. But Marriott is refusing to get carried away with the transfer gossip.
“Of course you hear it, you get a bit of banter in the dressing room,’’ he said. “I get a lot of it in the group chats as well from my mates.
“But I’ve literally just got to try and brush it off. If I think too much about it, I’m not thinking about my game.
“And ultimately, if I’m not thinking about my game then the speculation isn’t there.’’
Solihull Moors striker Oladapo Afolayan has been linked with a move to St Andrew’s.
Afolayan has been in good form for Blues’ National League neighbours this season, scoring 10 goals in 28 league and cup appearances.
According to sources, the 20-year-old is on the radar of Blues boss Steve Cotterill, while Championship rivals Derby are also monitoring him.