Birmingham's bid for a player compared to Michael Essien would be a sensational signing

Birmingham City started their first full season under Harry Redknapp in disappointing fashion, succumbing to defeat at Portman Road as hosts Ipswich Town ran out winners.

The Blues have been linked with a host of transfer targets this summer as Redknapp attempts to improve his squad, and the latest man to be reportedly be subject to a Birmingham bid is Torino midfielder Afriyie Acquah.

The Ghanaian international is subject to an offer in the region of £7 million, with Redknapp keen to spend big to bring the dominating midfielder to St Andrews this summer.

25-year-old Acquah has enjoyed spells with multiple Italian clubs since joining Sicilian side Palermo in 2010, and could finally be set for a dream move to England.

Acquah almost moved to Northern Irish side Glentoran as a youngster having played for a Ghanaian academy set up by the club, but failed to secure a work permit despite the best efforts of staff at the club.

Acquah is a strong, powerful, dominating midfielder with the ability to boss the middle of the park, and his ability to roam across the pitch will provide Redknapp’s back four with increased protection this season.

Compared to compatriot Michael Essien, Acquah already has 29 Ghana caps to his name, and will hope a move to Birmingham will be the next step in helping him to reach the same heights the former Chelsea man reached in this country.

Essien is a legendary figure in Ghana, and the opportunity to play in the country where the player made his name will be an opportunity Acquah will be unable to refuse.

Birmingham are stumping up serious cash to secure the player’s signature, but if he continues the form he showed at Torino last season, where Joe Hart was a team mates, the Blues will have a real powerhouse performer on their hands.