According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, Birmingham City are one of three clubs interested in a £3m move for Hibernian midfielder John McGinn this summer, but Blues boss Garry Monk would certainly be taking a risk by splashing out on the 23-year-old.

What's the word, then?

Garry Monk on the touchline

Well, The Sun on Sunday says that the Midlands outfit, along with Championship rivals Derby County and Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, are all keen on the hard-running star, who is a key man for club and country.

The Sun on Sunday report that McGinn has strong connections with the Bhoys and they are still in pole position to buy him, but Monk and new Rams manager Frank Lampard both want to bring him to the second-tier of English football.

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How did McGinn do in the 2017/18 campaign?

He certainly made a big impression in the middle of the park for Hibs in terms of impact in the final third, scoring six goals and providing a further eight assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

While that is impressive, his disciplinary record certainly isn't and he picked up a remarkable 18 yellow cards during those outings, although he never received a red.

That was 12 more cautions than he got during the previous campaign, which suggests that he has added more aggression to his game.

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Would he be a good Birmingham signing?

Because of his impressive record from a central midfield area he certainly would be, but his record of 18 yellow cards in all competitions against opposition that are almost certainly weaker than what he would come up against in the Championship is certainly a worry.

Monk, who will significantly improve his side's attack by signing £1.35m forward, will need his best players on the pitch consistently if the Blues are going to significantly improve in the upcoming season, and you just wouldn't be able to guarantee that with McGinn when you look at his poor record.

The 39-year-old boss could choose to take the risk if he can convince him to move to England over Celtic, but there is no doubt that it would be a big one.