Birmingham City are ready to move David Stockdale on and snap up a Championship goalkeeper as his replacement, according to a reliable football journalist.

Alan Nixon is reporting that Birmingham will move for Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Alex Smithies if they can sell Stockdale this summer.

Stockdale arrived at St Andrew's last summer in what appeared to be a coup for the Blues.

The 32-year-old had just guided Brighton to the Premier League and he was expected to remain at the club and play Premier League football again but he opted to move to the West Midlands instead.

But the former Fulham goalkeeper has not had the best season with Birmingham, despite being the number one choice this year.

Garry Monk is actively looking to shift Stockdale this summer and bring in someone else as his replacement.

When scouring the market for possible alternatives to Stockdale, Birmingham have settled on Smithies.

The 28-year-old has vast experience at Championship level, having played for Huddersfield Town and QPR in this division.

After playing 44 games last season and once again playing a starring role for the Hoops, the former England youth international could now move to Birmingham if a deal can be finalised.

The Verdict

If I was in charge of Birmingham, I would give Stockdale another chance as he is a proven goalkeeper at Championship level.

But if they are intending to shift him, Smithies would be an excellent replacement.

He is in the prime of his career and has been QPR's key man for the past several years, providing solidity and reliability between the sticks.

QPR fans - Would Smithies leave? Birmingham fans - Can you land him? Let us know below...