Birmingham City recently appointed experienced manager Harry Redknapp on a one-year deal and he is getting his business done early.

The Blues were expected to be without a senior goalkeeper by the 1st of July but Redknapp has moved swiftly to extend the deals of Tomasz Kuszczak and Adam Legzdins.

Tomasz Kuszczak has been one of Birmingham's top performers in a dire season and he has recently put pen to paper on a new two year deal, with the option of a third year to temporarily sort out the goalkeeper problem.

Legzdins is a decent back-up goalkeeper to have and he has committed to the Blues for another season.

However, this does not solve their long-term need for a top goalkeeper.

Kuszczak is ageing and Legzdins is not good enough to be a regular number one.

That is why Birmingham need to take a risk and bring in Sam Howes on a free transfer.

Sam Howes was inexplicably released by West Ham United recently, much to the shock of the West Ham fans.

The towering teenage goalkeeper is commanding and dominant and he has a very bright future ahead of him.

The emergence of young talent Nathan Trott has probably led to Howes' departure but he would be a top addition for Birmingham City, initially as a youth team goalkeeper.

The 19-year-old has spent time on loan in the National League South with Hampton and Richmond Borough and that would have aided his development.

If Howes fulfils his potential, he could be ready to take over from Kuszczak in two or three years time.

Birmingham fans - would you like to sign Sam Howes? Let us know below...