Birmingham City boss Lee Bowyer has revealed that there has been no concrete interest in defender Kristian Pedersen despite being linked with a move away, as he spoke to Birmingham Live.

Football Insider reported yesterday afternoon that Premier League side Burnley and the Blues' second-tier rivals Nottingham Forest and Coventry City were both lining up a move for the 27-year-old with his contract at St Andrew's coming to an end in the summer.

He is yet to agree fresh terms in the West Midlands and isn't reported to be nearing an agreement at this stage, something that is only likely to increase speculation surrounding the Dane's future as they look to secure a cheap deal for the experienced defender.

 

 

Mostly playing as a left-back during his career, the 27-year-old has regularly played at centre-back for the Blues this term with Jeremie Bela a starting option at left wing-back and Bowyer's men lacking options in the centre at times this season.

With Pedersen now becoming accustomed to a back-five system under Bowyer, he could potentially link up with either Forest or the Sky Blues who also operate a similar system, though it remains to be seen whether there's space in the centre for him at the former with Steve Cook arriving at the City Ground earlier this month.

If Bowyer's quotes are anything to go by though, he isn't set for an imminent move away from the West Midlands.

Asked if he could shed light on these exit rumours, the second-tier outfit's boss said to Birmingham Live: "Not as far as I am aware, I don’t think there has been any interest in Kristian at all."

The Verdict:

Football League World understands that Birmingham are prepared to cash in on some of their players, so based on that, it wouldn't be a huge shock to see him move on this month.

Some fans would be disheartened by this potential departure, but Bowyer and Craig Gardner have shown during this window and in the summer that they can recruit well and this should provide them with optimism if he was to leave.

However, it remains to be seen whether it would be suitable to let the 27-year-old go at this stage with Harlee Dean also potentially on his way out of the club after being made available for a move away.

For Forest, he would have to be an option at left wing-back instead of the centre but even then, with Max Lowe, new signing Richie Laryea and Gaetan Bong all options Steve Cooper can utilise, this may not be the best move for the East Midlands side to make at this stage.

This is even with Jordi Osei-Tutu being considered, with the Arsenal loanee not looking as though he will ever be a reliable option for the Reds for the remainder of the campaign - and it also remains to be seen whether Coventry make a move with Ian Maatsen now looking set to stay.