It has been reported that Birmingham City and Derby County are in talks over the potential transfer of Johnny Russell, according to the Derby Telegraph.
Despite the clubs seemingly quite a way off agreeing a transfer fee for the Derby winger, Birmingham boss Gianfranco Zola is still keen on bringing Russell to St Andrew's this month.
The Scotland international has not featured for Steve McClaren’s side since their 3-0 defeat at Norwich City, and was an unused substitute as Derby were defeated by Leeds on Friday night.
Both Birmingham and Derby are looking to break into the play-offs during the second-half of the season.
Zola is looking for new faces to earn himself his first win as Birmingham boss.
There are many pros and cons to the Derby winger joining Birmingham, and here we pinpoint two pros and two cons, let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Pro: Derby’s squad size
Steve McClaren has a host of attacking quality within his squad, and with the signing of forward David Nugent earlier in the month, he could be looking to offload some of his attackers.
Russell has made just 15 starts in the league this season, scoring once.
McClaren has preferred Matej Vydra, Darren Bent, Abdoul Camara and Tom Ince in recent weeks.
With the addition of Nugent, a versatile forward, Russell may find himself even further down the pecking order, meaning a move away from the club could benefit both parties.
Pro: Derby’s preferred formation
Rams’ boss McClaren prefers his side to play a 4-3-3 formation, with three central midfielders, two wide players and one striker.
Derby’s top-scorer Tom Ince is a shoe-in for one of the wide areas, with Bent and Nugent expected to battle for the central role in the attacking three.
This would leave Russell competing with Vydra, Camara, Nick Blackman and Andreas Weimann for just one place in the starting line-up.
With regular game time not guaranteed with Derby, the move would suit Russell, as he may get more chances to impress and also benefit Derby, who would create more room on their wage bill.
Con: A rival club
Derby currently sit seventh in the Sky Bet Championship and are five points outside the play-off places; Birmingham are 12th and trail by a further four points.
Both sides will remain hopeful of breaking into the play-offs in 2017, despite their current league positions.
Derby may be reluctant to sell Russell to a club that could rival them for a play-off place.
The Scottish international has a wealth of Championship experience since arriving at Derby in 2013.
The winger has made 160 appearances and scored 28 goals for the Rams and featured in the end of season play-offs twice.
Russell’s experience could be crucial to Birmingham breaking into the play-offs and Derby’s loss could be the Midland side's gain in the race for the top six.
Con: Tom Ince’s future
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Derby top scorer Ince, in a deal worth £8m.
Steve McClaren confirmed this was not going to happen claiming, “£8m might get Tom’s right foot,” however player power is becoming more of a problem in football and there is potential for Ince to press for a move.
Ince has nine goals and three assists so far this term and has been Derby’s standout player.
However, with the Rams’ automatic promotion hopes all but gone, their best shot at promotion to the Premier League would be in the lottery of the play-offs.
If Ince wants to be playing top flight football next season, he may look to move away from Derby.
If Derby were to lose both Ince and Russell this window, it would leave their pay-off chances hanging in the balance.
Derby fans - what do you make of this? Would you sell Russell to Birmingham? Let us know in the comments below...