With the dust having now settled from Garry Monk's departure from Birmingham City, new boss Pep Clotet will undoubtedly be wanting to put his own stamp on his squad before the Championship campaign kicks-off in August.

Although the current financial constraints looming over the Blues will prevent the Spaniard from spending big this summer, it is not at all surprising that he has been linked with a move for a free agent who could very well blossom at St Andrew's.

According to the Daily Mail, Birmingham are reportedly interested in signing Jack Payne who was released by Huddersfield Town following the club's relegation from the Premier League last month.

If this is indeed true, it is imperative that Clotet considers both the positives and the negatives that the midfielder could have on the Blues' fortunes next season before committing to a switch.

Keeping this in mind, we have set out two pros as well as two cons to Birmingham sealing a deal for Payne based on his career to date.

Check them out below...

Pros

He was fantastic whilst on loan at Bradford City last season

One of the only shining lights in what was an awful 2018/19 campaign for Bradford City, Payne demonstrated some real signs of promise in the third tier throughout his loan spell at the Valley.

Operating as a central attacking midfielder as well as a winger, the 24-year-old was directly involved in 16 goals for the Bantams in all competitions.

If he can replicate this kind of form for Birmingham next season, he could prove to be one of the biggest coups of the transfer window.

He could provide some much-needed creativity from midfield

Whereas the duo of Lukas Jutkiewicz and Che Adams provided plenty of firepower last season for the Blues, it could be argued that a lack of creativity from midfield somewhat hampered the West Midlands-based side's progression in the Championship.

Therefore, by signing Payne, the Blues could potentially solve this particular issue as he is a player who is always looking to make something happen in the final-third.

Cons

He is not proven at Championship level

Although Payne did feature on 23 occasions for Huddersfield in the second-tier during the 2016/17 season, he ultimately failed to make a lasting impression on then-boss David Wagner.

Considering the fact that the quality in the Championship has arguably improved over the past two years, it would not be a shock if the midfielder struggles to cope once again at this level.

Therefore, it may be wise for Clotet to be targeting players who know exactly what it takes to thrive in this particular division rather than taking a punt on Payne.

There are no guarantees that he will start over the club's existing midfielders

With the Blues already having the likes of David Davis, Gary Gardner and Maikel Kieftenbeld at their disposal for next season, there is no guarantee that Payne will be a regular starter under Clotet.

If he cannot establish himself at St Andrew's, the midfielder's career could continue to spiral which is something that neither he or Birmingham will want to see occur next season.