Bundesliga ace ‘leaves camp for medical’ amid Birmingham City and Swansea City transfer links

Werder Bremen full-back Lee Buchanan has been given permission to leave the German Bundesliga side’s pre-season camp in Austria to advance talks and complete a medical with an unnamed club.

The 22-year-old, who joined Bremen on a free transfer from Derby County last July, played just 607 minutes across 23 appearances in all competitions in Germany. He’s now seen as surplus to requirements.

In a club statement, Bremen announced Buchanan has been “released from training to have final talks with another club and to complete the pending medical”.

Linked with Birmingham City and Swansea City over recent weeks, the versatile defender, who can play at left-back, centre-back or even left midfield, is set for a return to English football imminently.

It remains to be seen which of the two clubs is the destination Bremen speak of. There could even be another team who have emerged out of the shadows to secure the former England U21 international’s signature.

One thing that is for sure is Birmingham are in the market for another left-back to offer competition to Emmanuel Longelo. If he does head to St Andrew’s, Buchanan would be the ninth signing of the summer.

Before making his ambitious move to Germany, the defender made 75 appearances for Derby in the Championship. He will be remembered by Bremen for his one goal – against Borussia Dortmund last August.