Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly lining up Birmingham City's Phil Neumann as a potential replacement for Nico Elvedi.
Switzerland international Elvedi is on the verge of reuniting with his former head coach Daniel Farke by joining Leeds United in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old has been at the heart of Monchengladbach's defence for the last decade, amassing over 300 appearances for Die Fohlen.
Elvedi's pending departure leaves a noticeable void at the heart of Eugen Polanski's backline and according to football transfer expert Rudy Galetti, Neumann is one central defender Monchengladbach are considering as a replacement.
Neumann joined Birmingham from Hannover 96 last summer after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Blues in January 2025.
The centre-back earned rave reviews during his three years with Hannover following spells in the 2. Bundesliga with FC Ingolstadt and Holstein Kiel.
Neumann was expected to be Christoph Klarer's partner at the heart of Birmingham's defence last season, but the 29-year-old was overlooked by Chris Davies for large portions of the season.
Birmingham conceded just two goals in five matches from January to February when he was unexpectedly dropped for a trip to Norwich City, and Neumann occupied a spot on the bench for the next eight fixtures.
Neumann returned to the team following a wretched run where Birmingham's Championship play-off hopes disintegrated, starting all six of their concluding league fixtures. Birmingham's win percentage with Neumann in the team last season stood at 43.75 per cent, compared to 21.43% when he was on the bench.
Birmingham have added to their central defensive ranks this summer with the shrewd acquisition of Dael Fry from Middlesbrough, taking the club's total complement of central defenders to four alongside Neumann, Klarer and Jack Robinson.
Neumann started ahead of Fry for Birmingham's EFL Cup victory over Swansea City last weekend and it's understood the Blues are keen to retain their German.
Hull City were credited with an interest in the former Schalke 04 academy graduate earlier in the window and clubs from across Europe are reportedly tracking Neumann.
