McLeish eyes Matumona deal

Birmingham set to sign DR Congo international

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th July 2008

matumona zola

Matumona: Could be joining Blues

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Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is hoping to complete the signing of Zola Matumona after he impressed during a trial.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international spent some time training with Blues last season and has now returned to try and earn a deal.

He played in the 3-1 friendly victory over Czech side Viktoria Plzen on Thursday and McLeish was delighted with his performance.

Matumona has been at Belgian club FC Brussels for the past two years but is available for a nominal fee.

"He was in training with us during the season, and you don't really get a true reflection because you're playing mainly five-a-side games, we never really had enough bodies to make it 11 versus 11 to test him," McLeish told the Birmingham Mail.

Excellent

"I told him he was going to play on the left flank (against Viktoria Plzen) and I knew that his best position, having spoken to him in the week, was as an attacking midfielder, popping up in between and getting on the ball.

"But I said we have enough good players who can do that here, let's see how you can do on the flank, and I thought he was excellent.

"He had a good game and we will make an attempt to bring him to Birmingham. We'd like to get him done and dusted."

McLeish added: "He can live with the best runners at the club on the stamina stuff, he's quick, light on his feet, and he's got great technique.

"He would be a good addition to the squad."