This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Birmingham City manager Pep Clotet is looking to add to his squad in the January transfer window, with a move for Burnley striker Matej Vydra being considered, according to a report on LancsLive.
The 27-year-old has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Turf Moor from Derby County in 2018, making just eight appearances this season with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Sunderland in August.
So would Vydra be a good signing at St Andrews and is he needed?
We discuss
Chris Gallagher
"What a signing this would be!
"In fact, what a signing he would be for most of the Championship, so if Blues could pull this off it would be a huge coup.
"Clotet's side are lacking quality in the final third. They play decent football but they aren't clinical enough and there is still a real reliance on Lukas Jutkiewicz and a lot of their goals come from set-plays.
"So, they are desperate for a new forward and Vydra ticks all the boxes. He can link play, has intelligent movement and most importantly, he is proven at this level. Blues need to do all they can to bring him in, although they're sure to face some pretty fierce competition for his signature."
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Jordan Rushworth
“Birmingham are certainly in need of some extra firepower up front, with the Blues having been reliant on Lukas Jutkiewicz to score most of their goals so far this campaign, and given Alvaro Gimenez whilst showing potential has not managed to be prolific so far they could do with another attacking option.
“Vydra looks like he would be an excellent signing for Birmingham to make this month, with the striker having already shown his potential to be a real threat to Championship defences, registering 21 league goals for Derby County in 2017/18.
“That form persuaded Burnley to make a move for Vydra, but the striker has been unable to really establish himself as one of the Clarets’ first choice forwards, with the form of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes keeping him out of the side for most of his time at Turf Moor so far.
“A move away from Burnley looks like the ideal option for Vydra this month, with the forward needing to go somewhere where he can command regular game time, and he would certainly help the Blues somewhat replace the loss of Che Adams who left for Southampton in the summer.”
Josh Cole
“This would be an outstanding signing for Birmingham if they can convince Vydra to make the move to St Andrew’s in the coming weeks.
“Whilst the forward has struggled to deliver the goods in the Premier League since joining Burnley from Derby in 2018, he possesses an excellent record at Championship level.
“As well as providing his team-mates with 22 assists in the second-tier during his career, the Czech Republic international has netted 65 goals in 187 appearances.
“When you consider that the Blues have yet to fill the void left by Che Adams, they ought to consider swooping for Vydra who possesses all the ingredients needed to thrive in the Championship.”