Birmingham City defender Harlee Dean has urged Pep Clotet to consider signing Josh McEachran after the midfielder joined the club on a trial basis during the international break.

McEachran, who was released by Brentford following the culmination of the 2018/19 campaign (via BBC Sport), is currently a free agent.

After initially bursting onto the scene for Chelsea as a teenager in 2010, the midfielder was loaned out by the club on no fewer than five occasions.

Unable to secure regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge, McEachran decided to join Brentford on a permanent deal in 2015 where he played alongside Dean for two years.

Although he initially made a positive impression with the Bees, the midfielder fell out of favour last season at Griffin Park following Thomas Christensen's arrival which subsequently resulted in him leaving the club.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail about McEachran, Dean said: "I think he is probably the best player I have ever played with technically.

"You don't play for Chelsea at 17 in the Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti and not be a good player on the ball.

"He's the best player I have played with, he can see passes, he can break three lines with a pass, he can take it anywhere and give it to anyone.

"I think he would be a really good addition because he gives us something a bit different."

The Birmingham defender went on to add: "I think it's good for the club to get him in and give him a chance - as I said I think he is a very good player, if coached right and if playing in the right team."

Whilst the Blues are unable are to purchase players until January due to the closure of the summer transfer window last month, they can still draft in free-agents over the coming months.

The Verdict

Although Birmingham are not exactly short of options in midfield due to the presence of Ivan Sunjic, David Davis and Gary Gardner, they could benefit from having someone like McEachran in their side.

A fantastic passer of the ball, the former Chelsea man could suit Clotet's style of play perfectly as the Spaniard has encouraged his players to be confident whilst in possession this season.

If McEachran ends up hitting the ground running at St Andrew's, the Blues could go on to achieve a great deal of success in the Championship.