Just In: Birmingham City Targets Former Aston Villa Player

The Standard reports that Birmingham City is one of three Championship clubs interested in signing Declan Frith, a former Aston Villa and Chelsea junior player.

The 21-year-old appears set to quit Valencia following just one season in Spain. He has been playing for their B team, although he is considering returning to England, as his release appears close. Getafe is reportedly keen in retaining him in the nation, although he is pondering returning to England.

Regardless of Birmingham’s present relegation situation, this has put them on red alert. They aren’t the only team interested in signing the attacker, who can play on the wing or in the centre. Queens Park Rangers and Watford are both said to be interested, with the latter being the only one of the three guaranteed Championship football next season.

Frith has a year left on his contract in Spain, but he is reportedly disgruntled by a lack of first-team opportunities. Valencia are willing to let him go because he has only played for their reserves in Spain’s equivalent of the fourth division, but given that he will not be out of contract, there is likely to be a substantial sell-on clause.

Frith, who was born in England but can also play in Jamaica and the United States, began his career at Welling United. Chelsea offered him youth contracts in 2021, and he played for their Under-21 team in the EFL Trophy. Aston Villa eventually gave him professional terms, and he signed a contract with Villa Park in August 2021. He created modest news around the club when he scored twice on his debut against the Blues Under 23s in a local derby.

He was released by Villa last summer and signed for the Spanish club, where he is classified as a defender rather than a wide attacker. However, his game has improved, and he’s put in some solid performances on the right wing for the Spanish team.

Much depends on Birmingham’s position next season, but moving from Spain’s fourth tier to the Championship sounds excessive. However, if Frith continues to impress, a move could be on the cards.

Given his roots in the south of England, QPR or Watford would appear to be the logical choices, but his experience at Villa opens the door to Birmingham. The issue could be one of senior opportunities; after spending a season in Valencia’s reserves, the 21-year-old is sure to be eager to receive his shot in senior football. Which suitor can offer that may determine which is successful in their pursuit.