Opinion: The more options, the better for Redknapp

We have little over two days before the summer transfer window slams shut and things are beginning to hot up.

Blues signed Jeremie Boga on loan from Chelsea yesterday and we’ve already heard two bits of news today.

Brentford defender Harlee Dean is reportedly on his way to complete a medical at Blues after the club’s agreed a £2m fee, while a fresh bid of £3.5m has been placed for Aden Flint.

What’s interesting about this is that it indicates that Blues still have their eyes on bringing Flint to the club, even though the latest bid is likely to fall short again (update- bid rejected).

If Harry Redknapp signs both Dean and Flint in the coming hours/days, then Blues will have plenty to chose from in the centre of defence.

Let’s assume that Ryan Shotton leaves for Middlesbrough and Paul Robinson is only used as a last resort, the centre back options would include – Michael Morrison, Marc Roberts, Dean and Flint (and Jonathan Grounds at a push).

That’s an extremely healthy amount of options to have, but all can’t play at the same time.

We know that Redknapp would like to move forward with three at the back, but that still means that one of these defenders would have to settle for a place on the bench.

In my eyes, these are all players that should be playing week in week out in the Championship and not one of them would settle for being second choice.

But, what fantastic options Blues would have if both Dean and Flint joined. All four of those players are leaders as well – Morrison is our current captain, Roberts captained Barnsley, Dean was the skipper at Brentford and I’m sure that Flint has worn the armband previously.

The Championship is a slog and Newcastle showed last season that you can have four top centre backs and rotate throughout the campaign.

We’ve already been ridiculously unlucky with injuries this season so it’s important to have a number of bodies available in each position.

Redknapp looks to be doing just that and, come 11pm on Thursday, the Blues boss will be hoping to have the team he wants in place that can propel Blues up a level.

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