Coventry, Millwall, Plymouth & Preston North End keeping tabs on 30-cap international free agent | OneFootball

Cyrus Christie is a wanted man with second-tier clubs after defensive reinforcements

Free agent defender Cyrus Christie is reportedly being tracked by Championship foursome Coventry City, Preston North End, Millwall and Plymouth Argyle as they look to bolster their defensive reinforcements with the transfer window now closed - but they face stiff competition from Scottish giants Rangers.

The 31-year-old right-back was released by Hull City upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season, but still possesses a wealth of experiencs, with over 300 career appearances in the second tier of English football.

After 55 league appearances for the Tigers over the last two seasons though, 30-cap Republic of Ireland international Christie departed the MKM Stadium, and is seeking a fresh challenge.

Cyrus Christie latest as four Championship clubs keep tabs on right-back

HITC have reported that Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and Preston North End are keen to keep Christie in the English second tier, while Coventry City are also in the mix to bring the defender back to the club where it all started for him in his career.

Christie was born and raised in Coventry and played over 100 times for the Sky Blues before his 2014 departure to Derby County, and Mark Robins could be seeking cover for Milan van Ewijk in case the Dutchman gets injured.

Millwall meanwhile seem to be well-stocked at right-back with both Ryan Leonard and Danny McNamara as options there, but Wayne Rooney and Plymouth may be frail in that department, with Bali Mumba favoured at left-back instead, leaving veteran Joe Edwards in the position with Victor Palsson as cover.

Preston North End meanwhile could be a decent landing spot for Christie, with Paul Heckingbottom wanting to be more flexible in his formations with the Lilywhites after arriving a few weeks ago.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden arrived on loan from Aston Villa in August, but with the full-back able to operate on the left too, and Brad Potts naturally being a more forward-thinking player, a spot could open up at right-back for Christie, if he were to be pursued by PNE.

It is not only Championship clubs in the queue for the 31-year-old's signature though, with clubs in Greece and Turkey also reportedly interested, while HITC state that Scottish giants Rangers have identified Christie as a potential James Tavernier replacement, after he was also linked with a move to the Turkish Süper Lig, whose transfer window does not close until next week.

Cyrus Christie has experience that could benefit many Championship clubs

It does not come as a shock that the Coventry-born right-back is being tracked by multiple Championship clubs, given the career that he has had, but it may come as a slight surprise that he is yet to find a new club with the new campaign already well underway.

Christie departed the MKM Stadium in May as Hull opted against activating his 12-month option after his initial two-year deal came to an end, but interested teams should not be put off by their decision.

The 31-year-old may not be as regular a starting option as he has been in years gone by, but he still managed over 3,400 minutes in the last two seasons in East Yorkshire, and has promotion pedigree after he helped Fulham reach the Premier League through the play-offs in both 2018 and 2020, and played 28 times in the top flight in the season between those two.

He would be a solid addition to any Championship backline, and with the number of clubs reportedly interested in bringing him in, it will likely come down to his decision over whether he wishes to stay in England, or test himself in a different league and country with opportunities like that likely to be at a premium in the years to come.