Birmingham City manager Lee Bowyer has suggested that he has been impressed with Wolves goalkeeper Matija Sarkic during his trial as the Blues weigh up a potential move.

Sarkic has arrived on trial at Birmingham and he featured for the Blues during their 3-0 pre-season friendly win against Cheltenham Town.

Birmingham are facing a difficult situation in the goalkeeping department following the recent developments with Neil Etheridge.

It has been reported by The Sun on Sunday (18/07/21, p61) that they are now interested in Marcus Bettinelli.

However, Sarkic has been the player that Birmingham have been taking a look at recently with Wolves having allowed him to spend time with the Blues as they weigh up a potential move for him.

It is not known whether their interest in Bettinelli would see them not move for the 23-year-old at this stage.

Speaking to Birmingham Live, Bowyer revealed that he has been impressed by Sarkic’s performances in training and in pre-season games. He also insisted that he has done his chances of signing for the Blues this summer no harm.

He said: “He has been with us this week and he has done very well.

“Today a couple of good saves especially early on. So he has done himself no harm, he has done well really, he has impressed me for sure.”

The Verdict

This is now a very difficult situation for Birmingham in terms of who they bring into their squad as an extra goalkeeper. Sarkic looked like an ideal option for them to bring in and have sitting behind Etheridge in the side for next term in the Championship. However, the condition of their number one keeper might mean that they opt for a more experienced option to sign.

Sarkic though still appears to be well in the mix to sign for Birmingham after impressing Bowyer during his trial period with the club. That is all the 23-year-old could control and he has been doing well to try and earn himself the chance to make the switch to St Andrews this summer.

If Sarkic can continue to impress then there is no reason why Birmingham should not make a move for him. Yes, Bettinelli might have more experience than the 23-year-old, but if the keeper is displaying the type of form that Bowyer wants from his keeper next term then he has to be worth a deal you would have thought.