Blues chase United defender

Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton is keen to bring in Manchester United defender Ritchie De Laet on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Belgian international recently returned from a back problem that had cut his loan spell with Premier League new boys Norwich City short.

However, now back in training, United are keen on for the 23-year-old to attain some first-team football and return to match fitness before the end of the season.

Former Newcastle United manager Hughton is eager to sign up the youngster due to persistent knee problems with captain Stephen Carr, but has made 24 appearances in all competitions this season.

The Blues have already brought in Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend and Erik Huseklepp from Portsmouth for the remainder of the season, but the former Spurs assistant manager is keen to add more signings to the squad, saying: "We’ve got to keep trying to improve."

The Championship play-off contenders have been on a superb run of form in recent weeks, having lost just once in their last 14 games in all competitions. 

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