Phil Neumann (no replies)

Birmingham City are reportedly set to make a fresh bid for Hannover 96 defender Phil Neumann in the January transfer window.

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that Blues are preparing an improved offer for Neumann after having a £3.4 million bid rejected in the summer.

City did sign two central defenders this summer in Christoph Klarer and Ben Davies, while they also have Krystian Bielik and Dion Sanderson on their books, but despite their strong defensive record this season, it is believed that "centre-back has been highlighted as a key area for improvement" in January.

Birmingham spent a reported total of around £24 million during the course of the window, including £15 million on Fulham striker Jay Stansfield, but they are said to be willing to invest again in the New Year, and they are looking to land long-term target Neumann.

However, they could face competition for Neumann's signature, as journalist Florian Plettenberg reported last month that Hertha Berlin are keen to sign the 27-year-old on a free transfer when his contract at Hannover expires in the summer.