Birmingham City urged to "trust Chris Davies" after Mikayil Faye revelation | OneFootball

Blues could make yet another statement signing to add further defensive cover

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Birmingham City's theme of eye-catching transfer business has continued into the current Championship campaign, with the club's imminent aims being made no secret.

Knighthead Capital Management have embarked on a staggering spending spree in the past two summer windows, which initially saw Blues' transfer record smashed for the permanent capture of Jay Stansfield from Fulham ahead of a record-breaking campaign in League One, as well as moves for Kyogo Furuhashi, Tommy Doyle, Demarai Gray, Phil Neumann and Marvin Ducksch among others in the current window.

These statement additions have been coupled with an unbeaten return to the second-tier, with Chris Davies' side following up a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on opening night with victories over Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United.

With just days to go until the summer window closes for business, it has emerged that the Birmingham boss is still on the hunt for defensive reinforcements, with one potential target representing yet another potentially stunning piece of business in the form of ex-Barcelona defender, Mikayil Faye.

Birmingham City verdict offered as Blues linked with Rennes transfer raid for ex-Barcelona defender Mikayil Faye

Blues currently have three main centre-back options at their disposal in the form of Neumann, Christoph Klarer and Eiran Cashin, and are looking for further depth following the sale of Krystian Bielik to West Bromwich Albion.

Left-back has also been a problem position when it comes to depth, with Ethan Laird recently filling the void left by Alex Cochrane, who sustained a recent injury, whilst Lee Buchanan's fitness struggles in B9 have been well-documented.

It was reported last week by the Daily Mail that Faye had emerged on the club's radar, and that they are looking to sway the 21-year-old to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park by using the likes of minority stakeholder, Tom Brady, as persuasive tools.

Faye is capable of slotting in as a left-sided centre-back and full-back, currently on the books of Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, for whom he has made 12 appearances after a €10.3m move from Barcelona last summer amid financial and administrative issues in Catalonia.

The one-time Senegalese international is still very highly-rated by the La Liga giants though, as they inserted a 30 percent sell-on clause and €25m buyback clause of their own into the deal which saw the defender move to Roahzon Park.

Therefore, despite not knowing too much about him, FLW's Birmingham City fan pundit, Jason Moore, trusts the hierarchy to get it right if they are to acquire his services.

"I'm not going to pretend I know anything about him. But, if he can play left-back and centre-back and he's someone that the club have chased, then I'm all for it," Moore explained to FLW.

"I've never seen him play for Barcelona. But, again, if the club want him, then I'm more than happy to take him.

"I guess we need another centre-back with us losing Bielik, and we definitely need left-back cover, so I'd be more than happy with him," Moore stated.

"All the signings we've made this summer, I've had the mindset of 'trust the board', 'trust Chris Davies' and 'trust Craig Gardner'. For me, they've not done much bad business since last summer. There's maybe the odd one or two, but not every signing's going to be perfect.

"We'll wait and see, but I'd definitely take him."

Mikayil Faye may have to settle for initial rotation role if Birmingham City strike Rennes agreement

Given Faye's current and future potential, he would be expected to eventually become a key player for Blues if they were able to strike yet another eye-catching transfer agreement.

However, as is the case with most new signings, the youngster may have to settle with being eased into proceedings, with Birmingham Live revealing that any new additions made between now and the close of business cannot expect to start in the Championship right from the get-go.

Although it may take a hefty fee to acquire Faye's services, the defender's versatile nature makes this sort of signing a no-brainer, and he could certainly grow with the club over time as they gear towards the opening of the well-documented 'Sports Quarter' complex and continue to make strides towards a Premier League return.