Stoke City and Huddersfield Town are both in talks with Birmingham City about the possible loan signing of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, journalist Alan Nixon has reported.

Etheridge joined Birmingham from Cardiff City back in the the summer of 2020, initially becoming the club's first choice option between the posts.

However, the Philippine international has dropped down the pecking order at St Andrew's in the past year or so, with his only appearances this season coming in the cup competitions.

As a result, it now looks as though the 32-year-old could be on the move elsewhere in the Championship in the final week of the January transfer window.

According to this latest update, Birmingham are keen to move Etheridge on this month, in order to raise funds.

As a result, it is thought that both Stoke and Huddersfield are in talks with the Blues about a potential loan deal for the goalkeeper.

The Potters are said to be keen on Leicester's Daniel Iversen between the posts, but could consider Etheridge as an alternative.

Even so, it is claimed that due to Etheridge being on high wages at St Andrew's, there could be an issue over what percentage of that salary is paid by any club taking the 32-year-old on loan.

The Verdict

It does look as though this could be a good signing for either Stoke or Huddersfield.

Both teams do need some reinforcements between the posts this month, following the sale of Josef Bursik and injury to Lee Nicholls respectively.

As a result, they could benefit from the addition of Etheridge, who would bring plenty of experience at this level to whichever club he joins.

Givn Etheridge himself will no doubt be keen to play regular football again too, you imagine this is a move that would work well for all concerned, meaning there ought to be plenty of desire to get this done.