Union Berlin's Kristian Pedersen 'holds talks with Birmingham City'

Union Berlin defender Kristian Pedersen has allegedly held transfer talks with Birmingham City.

The Blues have triggered the Denmark Under-21 international's £2.2m release clause, reports the Birmingham Mail.

However, Union Berlin boss Oliver Ruhnert is said to have cast doubt on the transfer, with the paper quoting him as saying that the left-back is "not ready" for the English Championship.

Birmingham reportedly face competition for Pedersen's services from Championship rivals Leeds United, although the Blues have been touted as the frontrunners to land him.

Pedersen started in 30 of Berlin's 34 league matches in the German second tier last season.