Blues mull over new deal for Maikel
BLUES will consider rewarding Maikel Kieftenbeld with a new contract following his successful reintegration into the team.
The Dutch midfielder’s deal expires next summer with reports emerging of interested challengers for his signature.
Derby, Cardiff and Hull are waiting in the wings for the 27-yearold – the former hardly surprising given the events of the summer. Having been told by Harry Redknapp he was surplus to requirements at Blues, Kieftenbeld virtually became a Derby player before an administrative hitch saw his deadline-day transfer collapse.
Blues manager Steve Cotterill has brought him back into the fold and the former FC Groningen captain has been in imperious form ever since. Cotterill has been fulsome in his praise of Kieftenbeld since arriving at the club and it is expected he will give close consideration to extending the player’s Birmingham career.
Meanwhile, David Stockdale is making good progress in his recovery from the wrist injury which has kept him sidelined since the draw at Derby.
The keeper, who signed on a free transfer from Brighton in the summer, has missed the last nine league games but Cotterill confirmed: “He’s getting closer, that’s probably the best way of putting that.
“We don’t want any setbacks with it.
“We are really looking forward to having him back and available because it makes us stronger in that department.”