According to a number of reliable sources, a formal bid has been lodged by Birmingham for Mikayil Ngor Faye, the defender currently plying his trade at Rennes. He has been the subject of heated transfer speculation over recent weeks, and this latest bid could signal a turning point in the transfer saga. While Birmingham and Rennes continue talks, no breakthrough has been reported. Cremonese reportedly may still have an interest, but currently the focus is on getting this deal across the line. Defensively, Birmingham are sitting around the league average this season, at 1.25 goals conceded per game. Someone like Mikayil Ngor Faye could keep them steady but also raise the level when it matters most. Speculation continues to connect Birmingham with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain while no fresh rumours surround Rennes. More on this story as it develops. Need more Birmingham transfer rumours? Follow @PlayerSwitchCom on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news from Birmingham.