LONDON (AFP) - Newly-promoted Birmingham City have signed young Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder on a free transfer from Spanish outfit Celta Vigo, the club announced on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old -- who was part of his country's successful European Under-21 Championship campaign -- was out of contract in Spain.

He will be City manager Steve Bruce's fifth signing of the summer after Fabrice Muamba, Stuart Parnaby, Garry O'Connor and Olivier Kapo.

De Ridder is a graduate of the Ajax academy and made his first-team debut for the Amsterdam club in January 2004.

He left the Netherlands in 2005 to join Celta, where he made 20 Pleage appearances and score one goal.

He impressed Bruce with his performances in the recent European Championships as an over-age player and the deal was completed late on Monday night.