Birmingham City and Harry Redknapp are still desperately looking to strengthen their defensive options, with a centre back one of the Blues’ main priorities between now and the end of the transfer window.

Redknapp has been desperately looking to sign Aden Flint from Bristol City, but the Robins have stood firm over their valuation of the player, rejecting two bids from Birmingham so far this summer.

Here at FLW, we believe that Redknapp should forget his pursuit of Flint and focus on bringing Grant Hanley to St Andrew’s from Newcastle United, where he has been deemed surplus to requirements.

Rafa Benitez has chosen not to use Hanley in the Premier League yet this season, with the defender’s only appearance coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest.

That has been the tale of Hanley’s time at St James’ Park, with his opportunities limited, with many others ahead of him in Benitez’s plans.

Hanley featured on only 10 occasions in Newcastle’s promotion winning campaign last year, with just five of those appearances coming in the starting XI.

However, before his move to Newcastle Hanley was immense for Blackburn Rovers, making 200 appearances at Ewood Park and establishing himself as one of the best outside the Premier League.

It was for reason that Newcastle moved to sign the 25-year-old, who can count himself as unlucky to not have featured more for the Magpies over the last year.

We believe Hanley has both the leadership qualities and playing qualities to be a success at Birmingham, and rather than fighting a losing battle trying to sign Flint, Redknapp should turn his attention to the Newcastle defender.