Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia look set to win the race to sign Birmingham City winger Viv Solomon-Otabor, according to reports from allnigeriasoccer.com.

The 23-year-old signed for Blues from Crystal Palace as a youngster, and signed his first professional deal at St. Andrew's in 2014.

But the pacy winger has made just two league starts for the West Midlands club during his five-year stay at St. Andrew's, taking in loan spells with Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and most recently Portsmouth on the way.

The attacker scored one goal in 10 appearances for Pompey as Kenny Jackett's side narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last season, but the South Coast club have decided to look elsewhere rather than sign him on a permanent basis.

Blues did offer Solomon-Otabor a new contract at the end of last season, but the player has recently taken to Instagram to bid a farewell message to the St. Andrew's faithful.

Now, it is claimed that CSKA Sofia are closing in on a move to sign Solomon-Otabor - the winger is expected to undergo a medical as he looks to put pen to paper on a three-year deal over in Bulgaria.

The 37-time Bulgarian champions have already completed the signing of one player from the EFL this summer, in the form of Plymouth Argyle playmaker Graham Carey.

The Verdict

I am quite surprised to see Solomon-Otabor move abroad, but perhaps a new league and new country could be beneficial for his progress and his career.

I thought he was quite impressive on loan with Pompey last season, he looked sharp and caused Sunderland a lot of problems in the play-offs, but ultimately, he would have liked to contribute to more goals.

Under a new manager in Pep Clotet, every Birmingham player is likely to be given a clean slate to impress under the Spaniard, so it is surprising to see him move elsewhere.

It's hardly a big blow for Birmingham, though, and there are definitely better options out there for them.