After successfully keeping Birmingham City in the Championship last season, Garry Monk will be hoping to push Birmingham City on this season.

Whilst a top-six finish may seem a big ask, Monk has shown in the past he is a talented manager and will hope that once he has made his own mark on this side they could have a chance.

However, the financial situation at Blues means that will be tough, although he will try and shift some of the big earners to give himself more freedom in the market.

Given that though, whilst new signings are likely, it's not going to be wholesale changes and it will be a case of quality over quantity.

Here we look at a potential Birmingham XI that could line up in August...

David Stockdale is one of those big earners and could be moved on to Leeds, meaning QPR keeper Smithies comes in and he would be a fine replacement.

The former Brentford man is an assured performer in the Championship.

Morrison came back into the team under Monk and delivered so should keep his place next season.

Similarly, Dean found the form that he showed at Brentford when Monk took over and is a strong player at this level.

Blues need a left-back and appear close to signing Pedersen from Germany.

The former Wolves man provides energy in midfield and can play at the high intensity Monk will demand.

Monk likes to play football but Birmingham are lacking any technical players in midfield - that would change if Bannan arrived.

The Spaniard struggled to replicate his Brentford form at St. Andrew's although he too improved under Monk. But there's still more to come and he could be a star in the league if he finds his best.

The talented attacker brings pace, power and goals to this team.

The former Sheffield Wednesday winger was a key player for Blues last season and impressed with his pace and dribbling ability.

Funding this signing would be tough but the West Midlands side need a goalscorer and Marriott hit 27 in League One last season.

He has great movement and would thrive with the three attacking midfielders providing for him.