Sunderland and Derby reportedly interested in quality midfielder

Stadium of Light

According to reports, Championship clubs Sunderland and Derby County are interested in signing Birmingham City’s Maikel Kieftenbeld.

After joining Birmingham from Dutch club Groningen in 2015, Kieftenbeld has established himself as a regular starter for the club and has gone on to make 18 Championship appearances this season, recording one assist.

His long-term future is currently in doubt as his present deal expires at the end of the season and he has yet to renew terms with the club.

Kieftenbeld was on the verge of a move to Derby County during the summer but in the end the deal broke down at the last minute due to red tape.

Sunderland are currently experiencing a midfield crisis and this is an area in which Chris Coleman will need to bolster his side this month in, in particular.

Lee Cattermole, Jonny Williams and Darron Gibson are all currently unavailable due to injury while Paddy McNair is slowly working his way back to full-fitness.