Birmingham City have been warned they will have to pay a premium to prise Adrian Segecic away from Portsmouth, with the Portsmouth manager John Mousinho expecting interest before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.
Segecic has emerged as a candidate to fill the number 10 vacancy in Chris Davies’ squad. Blues are still searching for a number 10 and a left-winger before the window shuts.
Segecic's impressive season at Fratton Park
Segecic is attracting attention after an impressive first season at Fratton Park, where he scored 10 Championship goals, including one against Blues on the final day of last season. In total, the 22-year-old scored 11 goals in 24 starts last season, and has already scored two in three this season, playing out of position.
Asked whether any offers have been received for Segecic, Mousinho told The News: “Not as far as I’ve heard and we haven’t had a bid at all.”
Mousinho expects bids before deadline
“There’s not concrete interest, but I’m half expecting there to be some interest between now and the back end of the window,” Mousinho added. “I’m surprised there hasn’t been more this summer, but that’s to our benefit because Segs has now scored two in three. We’re prepared for it and we’re prepared in every position, because you never know what can happen in football.
“I think it’s one of those things. Segs is 22 and scored 11 goals last season in 24 starts - and has now scored two in three out of position. He’s done very well for a young lad, so I wouldn’t be surprised at all (if there’s a bid), because goals come at a premium. So there’s no doubt plenty of clubs would be interested.”
Portsmouth's valuation and comparable transfers
Segecic is similar in profile to Joe Gelhardt, who Blues pursued before he completed a permanent transfer to Hull City. Both are diminutive left-footed attackers with an eye for goal who would give Davies a slightly different option in behind target man August Priske.
Portsmouth aren’t willing to let Segecic go on the cheap and are using some of the Championship’s eye-catching transfers this summer to justify their price tag. Striker Will Lankshear sealed a big money move to Middlesbrough from Tottenham Hotspur after 12 goals for Oxford United in the Championship last season, while Ethan Galbraith moved from Swansea to Stoke for £10 million after just one year at the level.
Mousinho added: “We signed Segs for six figures and the potential return would be significant. I haven’t got an exact steer on it (his valuation), but I have a good idea on it based on where I see other players going. There’s been some players moving for good money this summer - and we rank Segs right up there.”
With the window closing on Tuesday evening, Birmingham City face a race against time to secure Segecic, but Portsmouth’s firm stance on valuation suggests any deal will require a significant investment.
