Former Aston Villa man linked with Birmingham City move

Former Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark is being linked with a move to rivals across town Birmingham City.

Clark spent most of his career at Villa Park after joining the club at the age of 11, before he made the switch for Newcastle following a 16-year spell. But he is now tipped for a move this summer after starting to train with the Magpies' under-23s team.

The defender was restricted to game time under boss Eddie Howe, making just 14 appearances in all competitions. And now he could be moving on after there is indication Howe will need to trim his squad down, given he currently has 30 senior players at his disposal.

Blues are keeping tabs with the 32-year-old who is also on Sheffield United's radar. Having entered the final year of his current deal, the Magpies are reportedly willing to let him go with cutting numbers a priority at St James' Park.

The club's new head coach John Eustace is also eyeing former West Bromwich Albion loanee Dwight Gayle who has fallen out of favour at the Tyneside - having joined Clark in the under-23s.