Skysports.com confirms former Derby midfielder Giles Barnes is training with Birmingham City. Barnes is currently a free agent after leaving the Rams by mutual consent earlier this month.

Blues boss Alex McLeish is understood to be a big admirer of the 21 year old and could offer him a deal at St Andrews if he impresses during his training stint.

"It is a great opportunity for Giles to get back playing again," Barnes' agent Colin Gordon told skysports.com.

"He is training at Birmingham to see how his fitness is.

"Alex has been great with Giles and Giles has enjoyed his time there so far as the mood in the camp is really good."

Reports have suggested Dutch league leaders FC Twente were weighing up a move for Barnes, but Gordon claims the rumours are wide of the mark.

"The link with FC Twente is nonsense and in any case they take their winter break this weekend," he added.