BIRMINGHAM CITY New coach set to sign two top players to fight relegation and.....

Birmingham City will have the opportunity to sign Cody Drameh permanently from Leeds United as the versatile defender won’t be offered a new deal at Elland Road.

Drameh’s Leeds contract expires on June 30, just a month after his Birmingham loan concludes, and the decision to not renew has already been set out. Many would assume he’d become a free agent but as he’s under 23, compensation is due. It’s unknown how much Blues would be expected to pay the Lilywhites but a fee is a necessity.

Predominantly a right-back but capable of playing on the left or in the centre, Drameh could be a useful permanent addition for Blues. He’s not exactly set the world alight but he’s been a regular starter and handy when injuries and suspensions have cropped up.

Inconsistencies have surfaced occasionally but that’s to be expected when turning out under four different managers. Drameh, much like the rest of the squad, has shown signs of struggling to deal with the different philosophies of John Eustace, Wayne Rooney, Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus over such a short period.

Continuity next campaign could help Drameh’s case. It’s just about convincing the player he can gain that at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park rather than searching elsewhere. Staying in the Championship is an obvious non-negotiable, too.