Birmingham City are interested in signing Derby County midfielder Krystian Bielik this summer, according to a new transfer rumour that has emerged.

The Lowdown: Bielik on the move?

The Rams are preparing for life in League One after their relegation from the Championship last season, as they hope to make a swift return to the second tier.

Derby's relegation has led to plenty of summer exits and one player who could be moving on is Bielik, having previously been hailed as an 'X-Factor' player by journalist Ryan Conway.

The 24-year-old only started 12 league games last term but it is unlikely that he will want to be plying his trade in League One in 2022/23.

The Latest: Birmingham keen on signing

According to The Birmingham Mail, Birmingham are 'keen' on signing Bielik on a temporary basis this season, as he continues to work his way back from an injury suffered during pre-season.

There is believed to be 'intense competition' for the Pole's services, however, including interest from Watford and Galatasaray, with his exit looking highly likely.

The Verdict: Hard to keep hold of him

Bielik is a Poland international with five caps to his name, so it is understandable why he wouldn't want to be stuck in the third tier, especially with the World Cup around the corner.

He still has two years remaining on his current Derby deal and the best bet may be for them to sell him permanently next summer, rather than losing him on a free transfer in 2024.

The brutal reality for Derby is that footballers of Bielik's calibre will want to be playing at a higher level, hampering the Rams' chances of gaining a quick promotion back to the Championship.