A new goalkeeper is high on the agenda for Birmingham City this summer as they look to plot a promotion charge next season.
Chris Davies' side were amongst the favourites to finish in the Championship top six last term but could only muster 10th, nine points adrift of Hull City in the final play-off berth.
The Blues have acted swiftly to secure the services of highly sought midfielder Jhon Solis from Girona after his successful loan spell at the club in the second half of last season, while experienced defender Dael Fry has joined the second city outfit following the expiration of his contract at Middlesbrough.
But there's still several key areas for Birmingham to address prior to the new campaign commences, not least the goalkeeping department.
Ryan Allsop and Brad Mayo are the only two senior goalkeepers on the books after James Beadle returned to Brighton following the conclusion of his season-long loan.
Ahead of Birmingham's first pre-season runout against Huddersfield Town, Davies openly revealed the club had budgeted for a loan or free agent shot stopper as they intend to splash the cash at the top end of the pitch.
We take a look at the potential goalkeepers Birmingham could sign.
Radek Vitek
Manchester United's Radek Vitek enjoyed an extremely fruitful loan spell at Bristol City last season and the Czech 22-year-old is expected to depart Old Trafford this summer as they overhaul their goalkeeping department.
Vitek completed a clean sweep at Bristol City's awards night as he was named the club’s Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Players' Player of the Year.
An excellent shot stopper who commands his area well, Vitek recorded 10 clean sheets and prevented a Championship-high 8.5 goals.
What's unclear at the moment is whether United will be willing to play ball on a loan deal with an option to buy, or if they're looking to cash in on the goalkeeper who joined the club from Sigma Olomouc in 2020.
Anthony Patterson
Influential in helping Sunderland to achieve promotion from the Championship in 2024/25, Anthony Patterson fell down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light following the purchases of Robin Roefs and Melker Ellborg.
The purchase of Ellborg in particular resulted in Patterson spending the second half of the previous season on loan at Millwall and the 26-year-old kept seven clean sheets in 16 appearances as the Lions pushed Ipswich Town all the way in the race for an automatic promotion spot.
While a loan might still be viable for Patterson, it's been reported that Sunderland are looking for a fee of £8m to secure his services on a permanent basis - a figure Birmingham will be unwilling to spend.
Joe Whitworth
Following two extremely productive spells on loan at Exeter City in League One, it's time for Crystal Palace's Joe Whitworth to test himself at a higher level in the Championship and it's a transition he's ready to make.
Whitworth's second stint in Devon may have concluded in relegation but the Grecians may have fared far worse were it not for the presence of the 22-year-old, who ranked prominently for goals prevented and save percentage in the third tier last season.
His distribution and ball-playing capabilities are better than the two aforementioned goalkeepers, an element that was lacking in Birmingham's build-up play last term.
James Beadle
It might not be the news that some Birmingham fans wish to hear but according to Birmingham Live, the club are in talks to re-sign James Beadle on loan for another campaign.
Beadle improved as the season progressed and it's easy to forget the 21-year-old is still in the infancy of his goalkeeping career, with Brighton holding the England Under-21 international in high regard.
An excellent shot stopper, there are glaring issues to his game including commanding his area and distribution, both of which are key areas to address if Birmingham are to compete amongst the upper echelons of the Championship.
