West Brom target ‘allowed to leave’ Rangers as Birmingham City consider permanent swoop
West Brom are reportedly weighing up an approach for out-of-favour Rangers man Adam Devine this January as the full-back is allowed to leave Ibrox Stadium.
The Baggies are keen to add depth on the right side of defence, providing backup to the ever-so-reliable Darnell Furlong. Devine, capable of playing on either side, could be the man to supply such cover as the 21-year-old is set to be available for a bargain price.
According to journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, West Brom is considering a move for Devine before his Rangers contract expires in June since he has been informed that he is free to leave. Albion might pay a nominal amount now to 100% secure their target, or they could establish a pre-contract deal.
Devine, a Rangers academy product, has enjoyed loan spells at Motherwell, Brechin City and Partick Thistle in the past but he’s remained at Ibrox this term. The six-time Scotland Under-21 international has only made two competitive appearances in 2024/25, however, with both in the Scottish Challenge Cup.
With James Tavernier the clear first choice right-back, it’s been difficult for Devine to secure any guaranteed minutes at Rangers. That’ll be the case at West Brom too as Furlong is one of the first names on the team sheet, but at least Devine would have a fresh start.
Birmingham City plotting permanent Rangers swoop
In other transfer news, relating also to Rangers, Birmingham are considering making their loan for defender Ben Davies permanent. The former Preston North End man has impressed during the first half of the season, establishing himself as one of manager Chris Davies’ preferred starting centre-backs.
Birmingham World understands Blues would be delighted to get Davies on the books permanently. The 29-year-old, currently in his prime, is seen as a long-term option as Birmingham seek to return to the Championship. The fact Davies can be used at left-back if needed is appreciated, especially with the injuries suffered by Lee Buchanan, Ethan Laird and Alex Cochrane this campaign.
The Hannover 96 star Phil Neumann is rumoured to be named as a new Birmingham player very soon, so Davies isn’t the only defender the Blues are attempting to recruit this winter.
Since joining from Holstein Keil in 2022, Neumann has been a mainstay for Hannover, a German second-tier team, earning 81 appearances in his first two and a half years. The 27-year-old, who can play center-half, right-back, or even defensive midfield, might be quite versatile for the Blues, much like Davies.
For both Birmingham and the player, completing the Neumann transfer is a significant accomplishment. Bild reports that prominent German teams Borussia Monchengladbach, Augsburg, and Union Berlin have all expressed interest in Neumann.
The career of Dion Sanderson at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park may come to an end with Neumann’s arrival. The former captain has already slumped to fourth place in the centre-back hierarchy, and a drop to fifth would only make him more expendable.
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