David Stockdale is expected to be available on a free this summer, with Birmingham City desperate to get the goalkeeper off their books ahead of next season.  

Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post has provided an update on Stockdale’s situation at St Andrew’s, confirming that he expects the 32-year-old to depart as a free agent this summer, after he was told that he would be training with the club’s youth teams if a move isn’t finalised.

Leeds United have been strongly linked with a move for Stockdale this summer, but the YEP journalist has also confirmed that a move to Elland Road is certainly not done at this stage.

Stockdale only arrived in Birmingham 12 months ago, with the promotion-winning goalkeeper agreeing a three-year deal at St Andrew’s.

However, Stockdale featured under three permanent managers during his year with Birmingham, with Garry Monk happy to let the goalkeeper depart ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.

Stockdale made 39 appearances for Birmingham last season, including 36 in the Sky Bet Championship.

Monk placed faith in the goalkeeper to guide Birmingham to safety during the closing stages of the Championship season.

The Verdict

Leeds need to get a new goalkeeper on board this summer, with Stockdale clearly someone under consideration.

Learning that the 32-year-old might be available on a free is a big factor, as Leeds do have Bailey Peacock-Farrell on board and will not want to pay over the odds for his competition.

Of course, there will be some financial decision to make if Leeds pursue Stockdale, but this latest update certainly makes a deal for Leeds easier.

Where will Stockdale be playing his football next season? Let us know your thoughts!