Report: Birmingham City trigger Maikel Kieftenbeld release clause

Birmingham City have moved a step closer to signing Groningen midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld after triggering his contract's release clause, according to reports.

The 25-year-old began his career at Go Ahead Eagles in 2008 before moving to the northern Dutch club two years later and establishing himself as team captain.

According to the Birmingham Mail, Kieftenbeld has travelled to England to speak with the St Andrew's club and has been left out of Groningen's latest friendly with Roda JC.

Kieftenbeld has one year remaining on his contract with the Eredivisie outfit.