Report: Birmingham to sign free agent Rolf Feltscher

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Could Birmingham City’s alleged Feltscher move affect their pursuit of Sebastien Bassong?

Venezuela defender Rolf Feltscher (right)

Birmingham City are set to sign free agent defender Rolf Feltscher, according to the Sun.

Feltscher, who last played for Getafe in Spain, can play anywhere across the back four.

Though born in Switzerland, the 26-year-old represents Venezuela at international level and helped the South American nation to a 1-1 draw against Argentina this week – in which he scored an unfortunate own goal.

Birmingham had been linked with a move for released Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong, with HITC Sport understanding the Blues were ready to offer a contract to the Cameroonian.

Former Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong

However, the Sun’s report surely casts doubt on Birmingham’s deal for Bassong, who has been training with the side managed by former boss Harry Redknapp, but did not travel with Blues’ development team to Millwall on Friday.

Nevertheless, speaking to the Birmingham Mail this morning, Redknapp said: “I like Seb. (Central defence is) the one area we are probably not overloaded, I have probably got three central defenders.

“That is an area, you do get suspensions and injuries with centre halves, that is just an area if maybe I was going to bring someone in he would be the ideal one.

“He is a great lad as well, I still think he’s a good player as well. He played Champions League for me at Tottenham. He was fantastic when I had him.

Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp

“He is still quick, still strong, so yes, he is a player we are looking at and still seeing where we go on that one.”

Feltscher has had a nomadic career to date, playing in Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Spain, for clubs including Grasshopper, Parma and Real Zaragoza.

Birmingham are reported to have been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Bristol City defenders Aden Flint and Joe Bryan during the summer transfer window, while Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs is said to have snubbed them in favour of a move to West Bromwich Albion.