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Leeds United‘s move for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi could have a knock-on effect for Birmingham City with Phil Neumann on the German side’s radar.
The Whites have been tracking Elvedi since June and are currently understood to have agreed personal terms with the defender as they advance towards signing him.
Leeds are expected to be able to take the Swiss international to Elland Road and that will be a blow for Gladbach ahead of the new season.
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Elvedi has been one of the club’s key defenders and losing him will leave a massive hole in the middle of the Gladbach backline.
As a result, the German outfit have already begun exploring the market for a potential replacement for Elvedi.
Now, according to Italian journalist Rudi Galetti, Gladbach ‘have shown interest’ in Birmingham’s Neumann as a potential successor to Elvedi.
Neumann only arrived from Germany last season, but could now find himself with an opportunity to return to his homeland amid Gladbach’s admiration.
| Club played for | |
|---|---|
| Schalke | Ingolstadt |
| Holstein Kiel | Hannover |
| Birmingham City |
The centre-back established himself as an important figure for Blues last season in the Championship, making Birmingham reluctant to sanction his departure from St Andrew’s.
Hull City have also developed an interest in the German, with Neumann potentially having the opportunity to make his mark in the Premier League.
Other clubs across Europe are also beginning to circle, meaning developments surrounding the defender could gather pace in the coming days.
Neumann’s willingness to leave St Andrew’s remains unclear, although Gladbach could accelerate their pursuit once Elvedi’s move to Elland Road is completed.
As such, Leeds’ move for Elvedi could have a knock-on effect on Birmingham.
Leeds will hope to secure a deal to bring Elvedi over from Germany, while a departure could head in the opposite direction with Sebastiaan Bornauw, as Hamburg continue to chase the defender.
The Whites are also eyeing another Bundesliga target in Ermedin Demirovic, although the striker is also on Eintracht Frankfurt’s radar.
