Birmingham City defender closing in on transfer to MLS outfit Toronto
The latest Birmingham City news from BirminghamLive as Blues are set to part company with an experienced centre back
Birmingham City defender Kevin Long is closing in on a move to Canadian outfit Toronto FC, BirminghamLive understands.
The 33-year-old is set to join the MLS franchise at some stage next week once the deal is finalised, bringing to an end his 13-month Blues career.
Long, who was not involved in the match-day squad that took on Sunderland on Saturday, was originally signed as a free transfer after his long stay with Burnley came to an end and after early struggles settled in well.
He became a key player as John Eustace kept Blues clear of relegation danger and started the season well following the summer takeover. However, he fell out of favour under Wayne Rooney – and also picked up an injury – and has been in and out under Tony Mowbray.
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The current Blues boss has added Krystian Bielik to his options at centre back, Dion Sanderson is close to returning to fitness, Marc Roberts has returned pretty well and there is also Emanuel Aiwu, Cody Drameh and even Lee Buchanan who can played as centre-half.
If Long completes the move he will join a Toronto outfit in the final stages of its preparations for the new MLS season, with one more pre-season match to play. He has played 40 times for Blues.
Toronto start their campaign on February 25 against Cincinnati, play in the Eastern Conference and are managed by Englishman John Herdman.