By Shane Ireland

Birmingham City have stepped up their chase to sign a full-back.

The position was identified as one which needed strengthening by manager Gary Rowett if his side are to progress further towards the play-offs this season.

The Blues boss has taken former Swansea City man Dwight Tiendalli to Marbella this week to join in with the club’s training camp.

Tiendalli, 30, can play on either side of the defence but would, if signed, mainly be considered as an option to challenge Jonathan Grounds at left-back.

The Holland international was released by Swansea last year but earned a Carling Cup winners medal with the South Wales club in 2013.

Rowett told bcfc.com: “Dwight’s one we were aware of last year. He is obviously a free agent, he was due to come in next week but we asked him if he would like to come out with us on tour.

“But as you can see he’s a good player, he’s played in the Premier League, has got plenty of pace and he can play left-back or right-back. He’s very versatile. We will see how it goes this week, there’s nothing promised either side.”

The Birmingham Mail have today reported that Blues have also taken an interest in Kieran Richardson, who was released by Aston Villa following their dismal relegation from the top-flight.

The 31-year-old spent two seasons at Villa Park, making 41 appearances in total. He played 15 times as Villa finished 20th last season, recording the third-lowest points total in Premier League history.

He was part of an under-performing squad which won only three league games throughout a shocking campaign – the highlight of which came when narrowly beating a side from the league below 1-0 in the Capital One Cup.

Richardson, an ex-Manchester United trainee, also spent time on loan with fellow Midlands side West Bromwich Albion in 2005.

The versatile former England international would bring a wealth of experience to St Andrew’s, but turning 32 in November, Richardson would be a gamble nonetheless.