Derby County have confirmed on the club’s official website that Maikel Kieftenbeld has returned to Birmingham City.

The Rams agreed a deal with Birmingham on transfer deadline day for Kieftenbeld, with the midfielder set to arrive at the Pride Park Stadium on a two-year deal.

However, after an EFL investigation into the transfer, it has been confirmed that the paperwork was not completed in time, with the player’s authorisation refused by the governing body.

Derby have since appealed the decision, but the EFL have upheld their ruling and the player has had to return to Birmingham.

Gary Rowett had moved to bring Kieftenbeld to the Pride Park Stadium from Birmingham, where the pair had previously worked together.

The breakdown of the deal for Kieftenbeld has left Rowett short of midfield options, following Derby’s decision to let both Craig Bryson and Jacob Butterfield leave late in the transfer window.

Bryson has joined Cardiff City on a season-long loan, whilst Butterfield has also moved to Sheffield Wednesday on a temporary basis.

So far this season Tom Huddlestone and Bradley Johnson have been Rowett’s preferred pairing in central midfield, with the duo now set to continue when the Rams face Hull City on Friday evening.

The Verdict  

This is a huge blow for Derby and Rowett, who had been delighted to bring Kieftenbeld to Pride Park on deadline day.

Of course, Derby could return to sign the midfielder in January, but between now and then the Rams are short of numbers in a key area following their decision to let both Bryson and Butterfield leave on deadline day.

Huddlestone and Johnson are both capable options, and despite George Thorne edging closer to a return from injury, Derby can’t afford any injuries or suspensions in central midfield.

Derby fans… Let us know your thoughts!