Birmingham City have had a good progressive season under Gary Rowett, securing a comfortable mid-table finish as they recover from the difficult period they suffered under Lee Clarke.

They were floundering near the relegation zone last season and after an embarrassing 8-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Lee Clarke was fired and replaced by Gary Rowett who was working wonders with Burton Albion.

He led Birmingham to safety comfortably and on a shoestring budget has turned them into a side that challenged for the play-offs this season.

In the summer Rowett brought in Kieftenbeld  and Maghoma for free and they have both been very successful.

They did have to cope with the loss of Demarai Gray to Leicester but Rowett cleverly utilised the loan market bringing in Arsenal midfielder Jon Toral, who has been excellent this season like he was last year for Brentford.

The major problem Birmingham had last season was their defence with the 8-0 defeat the culmination of there defensive frailties.

They will hope to go one better next season and sustain there promotion challenge but will need some new signings with strikers the priority.

Here are FOUR players Birmingham should shatter their transfer record for this summer......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FOUR PLAYERS!

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Dwight Gayle

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The Crystal Palace frontman has been slowly re-introduced at Crystal Palace, scoring a brace against Stoke last week.

But the 25- year-old has scored just 3 goals in 16 games, and his future at Palace is in doubt.

Given he has failed to nail down his starting place at Palace he may seek a move away and an ambitious Birmingham could be ideal, especially given the goalscoring problem Birmingham have.

 

Patrick Bamford

Patrick BamfordPatrick Bamford

The Chelsea youngster has struggled in the Premier League this season with separate loan spells at Crystal Palace and Norwich going badly, and his future at Chelsea is questionable as his ability at Premier League level is not good enough.

He had a very good season with Middlesbrough a couple of years back winning Championship Player of the Season scoring in excess of 20 goals for Middlesbrough.

But this does show his ability at Championship level and Birmingham need a goalscorer so an ideal move for all parties.

 

Will Grigg

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The Wigan striker has been on fire this season with 25 goals which have propelled Wigan to the Championship, and the frontman has always been efficient in League One.

He rarely makes the step up though moving from Championship clubs to League One clubs often.

But he is a good out-and-out striker and Birmingham could do with someone with a clinical nature, who won't cost too much.

Lee Tomlin

Lee Tomlin ms

Bournemouth won't let him go for much despite him being an outcast at Dean Court this season.

After some dazzling displays for Middlesbrough last season he earned a move to Premier League Bournemouth but he seemingly fell out with manager Eddie Howe over never getting picked, and was been sent out on loan to Bristol City and has been outstanding.

His performances are packed with goals, assists and flair and he has been the forerunner of keeping Bristol in the Championship this season.

With Toral leaving Birmingham, they need to replace his creativity and Tomlin would be ideal.

Any other big names you should be after Birmingham fans ? Leave thoughts and opinions below!