Exclusive: Blackpool lining up move to sign player who has just left Birmingham City | OneFootball

Blackpool are lining up a move for Grant Hanley following his release from Birmingham City, Football League World understands.

Blackpool are lining up a move for Scotland international and newly released Birmingham City star Grant Hanley, sources have exclusively informed Football League World.

The Blues confirmed that the 33-year-old central defender would not be retained by the club following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Hanley had signed for the eventual League One champions on a free transfer in January for the remainder of the season, having been allowed to cut short his contract with Championship side Norwich City in order to seal a switch to St Andrew's.

Blackpool line up free agent swoop for ex-Birmingham City defender Grant Hanley

Blackpool are preparing to swoop for free agent defender Grant Hanley following his release from Birmingham City, sources have exclusively told Football League World.

Steve Bruce is preparing for his first full summer transfer window as Tangerines boss, having been appointed to take charge at Bloomfield Road in September last year.

The 64-year-old was able to guide the club to a ninth-placed finish in League One this past season, with only Birmingham scoring more league goals (84) than Blackpool's 72 in Bruce's debut campaign in charge.

However, the Seasiders did ship 60 goals in the third tier in 2024/25, leaving perhaps a clear indicator as to where Bruce and the club's recruitment staff need to prioritise strengthening the most this summer.

Grant Hanley could be highly shrewd addition by Blackpool on a free transfer

Given Blackpool's disappointing defensive numbers last season, bolstering the backline looks to be a good place to start for Bruce's summer of recruitment ahead.

In Hanley, Blackpool will find a vastly experienced central defender, both at club and international level.

The 33-year-old has represented Scotland over 60 times since making his debut in 2011, whilst also making 295 appearances at Championship level, and 75 in the Premier League over the course of his long and successful career so far - per Transfermarkt.

As outlined in the table above, despite his age and largely backup role for Birmingham during the second half of last season, Hanley still registered some highly impressive defensive numbers, showcasing he can still perform at a high level at League One level.

Therefore, with the highly impressive Elkan Baggott returning to Ipswich Town after his loan spell, Blackpool could replace him with a proven and vastly experienced defender in Hanley.

So, the Tangerines could surely do worse than securing his signature, on a free transfer no less.