This summer promised so much for Birmingham City, with Harry Redknapp keen to overhaul his playing squad after their relegation battle last season and bring the players in to mount a serious push for promotion.

However, the experienced 70-year-old has been left frustrated as only David Stockdale, Marc Roberts and Cheikh N’Doye have been signed so far this summer, with just days remaining until the start of the season.

Redknapp is searching for defensive reinforcements and somebody to partner Roberts in central defence.

Birmingham have seen a bid rejected for Bristol City’s Aden Flint, and it remains to be seen if Redknapp returns with an improved offer for the 28-year-old, who has established himself as one of the Championship’s top defenders.

Here at FLW, we believe that Flint would be ideal for Birmingham and the ideal partner for Roberts in central defence.

Flint has been a rock in defence for Bristol since their return to the Championship in 2015, featuring in 90 of 92 fixtures over the last two seasons – he was also ever-present for the Robins last year in the league.

The central defender has gained a reputation as a goalscoring centre-back, scoring 29 goals from his 200 appearances at Ashton Gate, including five in the Championship last season.

Whilst his goalscoring ability is a bonus, Redknapp would want the 28-year-old to recreate his commanding displays alongside Roberts in defence.

Bristol’s defence was far from impressive last season, conceding 66 goals, but that was not down to Flint’s performance, with the defender one of very few consistent performers at Ashton Gate.

It has been a frustrating summer so far for Redknapp and Birmingham, and despite having a bid rejected for Flint, they will still feel positive they can land their man.

It is worth the Blues pursuing a deal to sign the 28-year-old, as he has shown over the last couple of seasons just how impressive he can be in the Championship.

Alongside Roberts in central defence, and with an experienced goalkeeper in Stockdale behind them, it is highly unlikely Birmingham would find themselves in the trouble they were in last season.