Birmingham City and Wrexham told to battle it out for experienced Championship man, they are both ‘eyeing a move’

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Birmingham City and Wrexham are preparing themselves for a record-breaking summer transfer window after winning promotion to the Championship.

With the war chest of funds available to Chris Davies, Birmingham could break their transfer record this summer as they aim to push for a second successive promotion.

Wrexham share a similar dream to the Blues, with owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds handing Phil Parkinson a huge budget to spend.

It was revealed on Thursday that Wrexham were prepared to pay Tom Cairney £50k-a-week to join from Premier League side Fulham.

That is an eye-watering sum of money to pay a Championship player, with Birmingham able to spend at least £30k-a-week on new signings.

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Lee Hendrie thinks Birmingham and Wrexham should battle to sign Harry Darling

A mini rivalry has been created between Birmingham and Wrexham since both clubs were taken over by US investors.

It was evident in League One, and now that the two sides are preparing for the Championship, the rivalry is heating up in the transfer window.

Birmingham and Wrexham are battling to sign centre-back Harry Darling from Swansea City, whose contract at the Liberty Stadium is set to expire.

The 25-year-old has established himself as a top defender in the second tier, and former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie thinks he would be a solid signing for both clubs.

Speaking to Football League World, Hendrie said:  “Birmingham and Wrexham are eyeing a move for Harry Darling from Swansea, who I think has been very, very good in a Swansea shirt.

“Swansea have had a real tough time over a few seasons, but he has been one of their shining lights, really.

“To be quite honest, he could fit in either of those teams, Birmingham or Wrexham. Obviously they are two teams that are going to be striving to be around the play-offs and a promotion push.

“He would be a great addition for both teams, I would feel, due to his physical presence and him having Championship experience.”

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Championship stars available on a free transfer

Darling is currently in negotiations over his future at Swansea with a good chance he leaves the club and joins a Championship rival.

The Englishman is joined by several others who see their contracts expire in 2025, presenting the chance for some sides to land a bargain.

The above six names are just some of the many either set to depart their club for nothing or are in negotiations over a new deal.

For instance, we exclusively revealed in April that Burnley want to keep Josh Brownhill following promotion, although centre-back CJ Egan-Riley is closing in on a move to Strasbourg.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are leading the race for Tyrhys Dolan, and Junior Firpo is ‘definitely leaving’ Leeds United.