‎Exclusive: Birmingham City lead chase for Nick Shinton amid three championship clubs interest

Championship clubs Birmingham City, Swansea City and Watford are all monitoring Belgian goalkeeper Nick Shinton, according to sources. The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers for K Beerschot VA this season. Shinton has recorded ten clean sheets in 27 appearances in the Challenger Pro League, drawing attention from several clubs in England. Birmingham, Swansea and Watford have all kept close tabs on the goalkeeper as they assess options to strengthen their squads between the posts. Beerschot are aware of the increasing interest in their first-choice keeper and are preparing for the possibility of further approaches for the former Belgium national under-21 football team international during the upcoming summer window. Shinton attracting interest after strong campaign Shinton progressed through the academy system at Club Brugge before moving to Beerschot, where he has begun to establish himself at senior level over the last year and a half. He started 21 league matches last season as Beerschot were relegated from the top flight, but his performances have improved significantly during the current campaign. His ten clean sheets place him among the most effective goalkeepers in the division.

Challenger Pro League Clean Sheet Leaders

Player	Team	Clean Sheets
Beau Reus	SK Beveren (1st)	11
Nick Shinton	Beerschot (3rd)	10
Marco Hiller	Eupen (7th)	9
Jordi Belin	FC Liege (6th)	9
Julien Devriendt	Patro Eisden (5th)	9

Only Beau Reus of SK Beveren has managed more shutouts this season, highlighting Shinton’s strong form. His displays have not gone unnoticed, with Birmingham, Swansea and Watford all considering moves that could offer him an opportunity to step into English football this summer. Birmingham have experienced inconsistent performances from James Beadle, who joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, while both Swansea and Watford are also exploring ways to strengthen their goalkeeping depth ahead of next season. Birmingham expected to consider Kyogo sale Meanwhile, Birmingham City could sanction the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi this summer after a difficult first season at St Andrew’s. The former Celtic striker has slipped down the attacking hierarchy following the club’s efforts to add reinforcements during the January transfer window. Furuhashi had been linked with a move away earlier in the season, although Birmingham were reluctant to allow him to leave midway through the campaign. However, with the 31-year-old continuing to struggle for regular minutes, a summer exit now appears increasingly possible