Birmingham to turn away from Turner?

Birmingham City were strongly linked with a move for Coventry City central defender Ben Turner on Monday, the commanding stopper being seen as the ideal replacement for former Ricoh Arena man Scott Dann should his expected move to the Premier League become reality before the transfer deadline.

Reaction to a move away for Turner was generally negative among Sky Blues supporters, not convinced by either of the arguments for his departure, one being that Andy Thorn has a number of centre-halves at his disposal already and another being the (questionable) assumption that some of the money would be spent on a new striker.

Turner's value to City when in the side is more than just that of a very good and still improving defender but also one of a leader and goal threat from set-pieces.

But with financial uncertainty at St Andrews perhaps Birmingham are looking elsewhere at the free agent availability of former Tottenham man Anthony Gardner.

Having left Hull City in the summer and declined moves to both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, Gardner looks set to sign a deal with Blues and could face Coventry in this weekend's Championship clash between the two sides.

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