The right-footed Shrewsbury centre-back – who can also operate at right-back – is out of contract at Montgomery Waters Meadow.
And despite an offer of a new one-year deal being put to him, the 28-year-old hasn’t committed to extending his two-and-a-half-year stay with the Shrews.
That has reportedly triggered interest from a host of Championship and League One clubs – including the Blues, who are keen to bolster their defensive ranks.
With more than 209 appearances under his belt at some big clubs – Everton, Leeds, Ipswich, Hull and Coventry – Pennington is clearly a player with pedigree.
Shrewsbury have certainly benefitted from his presence and it’s little wonder current Shrews boss Steve Cotterill is a huge admirer of the defender, who not only impresses on the pitch but off it as well.
But it seems he’s not the only one. Here’s what been about the former Everton trainee, who has a Merseyside Derby goal on his CV!
5. Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez (2017)
'He enjoys the art of defending. It’s difficult to find young players of that calibre.' Photo: PAUL ELLIS
6. Thomas Christiansen - Pennington's former manager at Leeds
In 2017, he said: 'When he has played, and also now when he doesn't, in training, he's one of the players that goes up front (at the head of the pack) and always has a smile. He works hard and this is to be appreciated. It's what builds a good squad.' Photo: Nathan Stirk
7. Paul Hurst - ex-Ipswich boss
'He’s an extremely fit player, he gets up and down the pitch extremely well and I spoke to a manager that had worked with him before and he had said he did a really good job for him at right-back. So I think he’s definitely got that in his locker. He’s got a fantastic attitude, I can’t speak highly enough of him. I think there was a player from Everton on loan here last year, Callum Connolly, and I think they’re very, very similar by all accounts in terms of attitude and the way they conduct themselves. Excellent young pros, credit to themselves and probably to Everton Football Club as well.' Photo: Stephen Pond