New Birmingham City transfer update is bad news for Neil Etheridge: View | OneFootball

Birmingham City are interested in a move for Oxford United loanee James Beadle, according to the Sheffield Star.

Those who have watched him this season will be struck by one key thing: his composure.

His ability with the ball at his feet is exceptional and he is a dream for managers who are keen to play a possession-based style of football.

The goalkeeper can often set the tone for the rest of the team when playing a passing style - and the 19-year-old has certainly contributed to the U's success this term.

However, he is only on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion at this stage and with no permanent agreement in place, the Seagulls may decide to recall the England youth international.

Both Sheffield Wednesday and Blues are believed to be interested in him, even though both currently have a couple of senior goalkeepers at their disposal.

However, the Midlands outfit focused on signing outfield players during the summer window, and manager Wayne Rooney may be keen to strengthen this area as he continues to implement his style.

Birmingham City's goalkeeping department

With Zach Jeacock currently out on loan at Gloucester City, John Ruddy and Neil Etheridge are Wayne Rooney's main options at this point.

However, there's uncertainty in this department, with all three goalkeepers seeing their contracts expire next summer.

Beadle won't be a permanent option either considering he's so highly rated, so Blues face a rebuild in this area in the summer unless they tie the likes of Ruddy and Etheridge down to new contracts.

Neil Etheridge won't benefit from James Beadle's potential move to Birmingham City

Brighton surely won't send Beadle to St Andrew's unless he's going to start regularly, so the Oxford loanee will be coming in as the number one if he's recalled from the Kassam Stadium and is sent to the Midlands after that.

Not only will the Seagulls want to see him play regularly, but Rooney may be keen to start him considering how comfortable he is with the ball at his feet.

In terms of who will be the backup keeper, Ruddy is probably the favourite over Etheridge considering Blues' current boss has kept faith in the former, like predecessor John Eustace did.

It could be argued that a move for Beale may free up Etheridge to seal an exit from St Andrew's, but Rooney may be keen to retain him as a third senior keeper so he has enough depth.

And even if the Philippines international is made available, he hasn't made enough appearances in recent years to be a top target for many clubs.

His best bet was to hope he could push his way past Ruddy in the pecking order, but if Beadle comes in, it would be difficult to see Etheridge getting much game time at all.