Birmingham City

Blackwell brings Bennett to Leeds
Leeds have signed Ian Bennett from Birmingham as cover for Neil Sullivan. The 33-year-old goalkeeper was out of contract and rejected the offer of a new deal at St Andrews before opting for Leeds ahead of Sheffield United. And manager Kevin Blackwell insists he will be back in the market before too long: "We're still looking at three of four players we might bring in. "But I'm not going to go talking about who I would or wouldn't like to bring in or what areas I need to strengthen."

Forssell admits to medical checks
Mikael Forssell has clarified his remarks accusing Everton of "fabrication" over claims that a failed medical wrecked a £3m move to the club. Forssell has now signed for Birmingham after a move to Everton fell through. "During my discussions I was examined by consultants of the club and discussed my medical records," he said. "Sadly, Everton withdrew over that weekend but fortunately Birmingham made the bid at that time and, of course, I was delighted to sign for Steve Bruce." Forssell said he was speaking out of respect for Everton boss David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright. "The reason I am saying this now is that David Moyes and Bill Kenwright were the reason I went to Everton that weekend," he told Everton's official website. "Unfortunately circumstances intervened and I don't want Everton fans to think badly of their manager or chairman, as this was a unique set of circumstances." Earlier Forssell had reacted angrily to reports he had failed a medical at Everton. "At no point did I undertake a full medical at Everton and these stories that I failed a medical are complete fabrication," he said. The Finland striker was speaking in response to comments made by Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine who said the Finn failed a medical, with a knee injury reportedly the problem. "Obviously Mikael Forssell failed his medical, and so we can't commit ourselves to spending a great deal of money on a player, and then of course on his wages, if we don't think he's going to be able to play," said Irvine. "Our medical people made the decision that he wasn't fit enough to be as expensive as he was going to be. "Perhaps if he wasn't going to be costing that kind of money then the decision would have been different. "But clearly he's had a problem - I hope that that problem doesn't mean he doesn't play football again because we all think he's an excellent footballer."

Birmingham revive Bowyer transfer
Birmingham have made a bid to revive their move for Lee Bowyer - despite a fans' backlash against the deal. Boss Steve Bruce was furious after a small group of supporters protested, prompting Bowyer to ditch the deal. But chairman David Sullivan still hopes to sign the 28-year-old Newcastle star after receiving support from fans. He still hopes to clinch the deal, saying: "Lee is upset by what's been said, but we've had hundreds of e-mails and letters wanting us to sign him." Sullivan plans to send the messages of support to Bowyer in an attempt to prompt a change of heart. He said: "I wouldn't say the deal is dead, but I think the chances of pulling it off are only 10%. "Lee's given Newcastle two years of good service without getting into trouble and I don't understand what the problem is." Bowyer had asked whether the city's Asian community would have any objections to him signing for Birmingham. Sullivan said: "When we met him he was very concerned about what the reaction would be from the Asian community because he didn't want to cause any problems. "But we haven't had a single complaint from the Asian community - just a group of fans who decided they don't want him." Bowyer's last controversy was a public punch-up with Newcastle team-mate Kieron Dyer during the home defeat against Aston Villa last season. Sullivan admitted: "Obviously that was a silly thing to do but it was done in the heat of the moment. I've met Lee and he is a nice boy and also a very good player."

Bruce issues Morrison challenge
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has challenged disgruntled striker Clinton Morrison to prove his worth if he wants more first-team football. Republic of Ireland international Morrison, 25, has recently suggested he may have to move on. But Bruce told the News of the World: "With strikers you have to acquire as many as you can. "Obviously, Clinton cannot be too happy but he has to take his chance when it comes along." Morrison, who has one year left on his contract with the Blues, saw his opportunities limited last season following the transfer-window loan signing of Walter Pandiani from Deportivo La Coruna. He told the Daily Mirror: "I just want to have a chance to show what I can do. "I want to stay but it is important for me to be playing. I am not one of these guys who just sits there and collects his wage packet and is happy with it." He added: "I will have a meeting with my agent and the boss Steve Bruce soon and I will say that I just want to play as much as possible. "The manager has spoken to me and he says he wants me to sign a new contract and that I am part of his plans. "But I will have to see what happens. Maybe I will have to move on but I hope not. "But the only way I will sign is if I am going to be playing football."

Birmingham give trio extra break
Birmingham trio Kenny Cunningham, Clinton Morrison and Mario Melchiot will report back late for pre-season training after international duty. Cunningham and Morrison were involved in two World Cup qualifiers with the Republic of Ireland, while Melchiot was with the Holland squad. Birmingham begin preparations for the new campaign on 8 July. But boss Steve Bruce said: "Every player gets at least four weeks off - it's important that they have a break." He added: "Ideally we would like to give them more but it's not possible because we go on tour on 13 July. "They will not also play in the early pre-season games. The other lads have had three weeks longer off than they have and I do believe a footballer needs a decent break." Bruce confirmed that midfielder Muzzy Izzet will be available for the start of pre-season training after his persistent knee problems restricted the part he was able to play last season. The former Leicester player missed the whole of the second half of the campaign with an injury that initially flared up against Newcastle at St Andrews in October. Bruce said: "Muzzy will be ready for the start of pre-season. It has been a frustrating time for him. "I had been pleased with him before the knee injury knocked him back and he is fine now and hoping for a good run without any injuries."

Blues no closer to Pandiani deal
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce admits they and Deportivo La Coruna are "a million miles apart" in their valuation of striker Walter Pandiani. Deportivo want £4m for the 29-year-old Uruguayan, who scored four goals in 14 appearances on loan last season. But Bruce is only prepared to pay £1.5m up front, with another £1m based on appearances and success. Bruce said: "We've been in discussions and it's fair to say that we are a million miles apart in our valuations." Bruce's need to sign the striker has lessened since he landed Mikael Forssell from Chelsea, although he is still keen to add to his squad. The Blues' boss added: "When you see the price Deportivo want for Pandiani and the price we paid for Mikael, it puts things in perspective. Mikael is 24. "I've said umpteen times you're only as good as your strikers and if they're good you've got a very good chance so you collect them if you can. "If you want to get bigger and better you need a big squad, especially with the transfer window. "You can bet we will have two or three injuries and the stronger the squad is, the better you can cope with it." Pandiani's agent Francis Miller also criticised Deportivo's demands, which he claims is placing obstacles in the way of a move. Miller said: "Deportivo are holding out for as much as they can get and they're making things hard in terms of tying up a deal."

Blues look to tie up Nafti deal
Birmingham City hope to secure the permanent signing of Racing Santander's Tunisian midfielder Mehdi Nafti by the end of the week. The 26-year-old impressed while on loan at St Andrews at the start of 2005. Blues co-owner David Sullivan said: "We're hopeful of signing up Mehdi. He did well in the midfield for us towards the end of last season. "But I think we have to find someone who is top line to play alongside him - or whoever is preferred in midfield." Birmingham manager Steve Bruce spelt out his desire to keep Nafti in April. He said: "I have seen enough to realise that Nafti would be a valuable addition to the squad if circumstances allowed. "There are still some issues with his club, where he has another year left of his contract, and we will see how it goes. "But he has fitted in very well at Birmingham and you saw against Chelsea just what he is capable of producing." Nafti started his career with French side Toulouse before moving to Racing Santander in the 2000/01 season. The Carthage Eagles player was born in Toulouse but helped Tunisia to success in last year's African Cup of Nations.

Bowyer feared threat of violence
Newcastle midfielder Lee Bowyer turned down a move to Birmingham because he was concerned for his physical safety, according to David Sullivan. "Steve Bruce, we thought, had talked him round," Blues co-owner Sullivan told the Birmingham Evening Mail. "But he was genuinely worried that one night there would be 10 Asians waiting outside his house ready to kick seven bells out of him. "We are not going to beg if someone clearly doesn't want to join us." Sullivan added that the 28-year-old midfielder would welcome a move abroad. "He told us that he would only leave Newcastle if a London club came in for him, or one from France," said Sullivan. "Why France? Apparently he likes it and believes he could live quite anonymously over there." But Sullivan underlined Birmingham's determination to press ahead and try to sign other targets ahead of the new season. "We will battle on," he said. "We gave it our best shot, and we have lost this round - but there are others still to come. ". The search goes on." Bowyer's move from Newcastle to Birmingham collapsed following protests by Blues fans.

West Brom get Carter green light
Birmingham have accepted West Brom's £1.5m bid for midfielder Darren Carter. The Baggies now have to agree personal terms with the 21-year-old and the fee may rise by £250,000 based on the success of the Hawthorns club. Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Bryan Robson has highlighted Darren as one of the players he wants to bring to the club. "Our offer has been accepted by Blues and we will begin talks with Darren now that he has returned from holiday." Carter struggled to hold down a first-team place with Birmingham last season until he was recalled from a loan spell with Sunderland. He impressed on his return to the side but was back out of favour towards the end of the campaign. And, with Blues boss Steve Bruce targeting a summer midfield signing, the two have decided to part company.

Birmingham fail with Basinas bid
Panathinaikos have turned down an offer of £265,000 from Birmingham for Greek international Angelos Basinas. The 29-year-old, who played every game for Greece at Euro 2004, had also been the subject of an enquiry from Portsmouth, though no offer was made. A Panathinaikos spokesman told BBC Sport: "The offer from Birmingham was for 400,000 euros. "For a player of Angelos' calibre that offer is far too low - for that sort of money he will not be sold." Basinas came through Panathinaikos' youth system and signed a professional contract with them in 1995. The spokesman added: "I read that Birmingham received £1.75m for Darren Carter. Angelos is better than Carter and has the experience of playing in more than 50 Champions League games. "If Birmingham come back with an increased offer there would be a discussion about it." Portsmouth are understood to have tried to sign the midfielder one month ago, but Basinas turned down the south-coast club. Pompey's director of football Velimir Zajec has close contacts with Panathinaikos, where he was both a player and technical director. Basinas, who does not speak much English, has a contract with Panathinaikos until next summer.

Pandiani favours Spain over Blues
Birmingham look set to miss out on transfer target Walter Pandiani. Pandiani, 29, spent the second half of last season on loan at St Andrews from Deportivo La Coruna, but his agent said he favours a move to Real Zaragoza. "Walter likes Zaragoza a lot because it is a team that aspires to do important things," said Eugenio Botas. "We have spoken with them, but it is not an easy transfer because it does not depend on us. I think Zaragoza have to make a big effort." New Deportivo coach Joaquin Caparros has made it clear he does not want the player to return to the Spanish club. "The president and the director of sport know my opinion on this matter," said Caparros. "We cannot allow anybody to come in and break the togetherness of the group and the good atmosphere we have at the club. Nor can we allow anyone to come and cause conflict." Birmingham boss Steve Bruce was keen to sign the player on a permanent basis. But he admitted they and Deportivo La Coruna are "a million miles apart" in their valuation. Deportivo want £4m for the Uruguayan, who scored four goals in 14 appearances on loan last season. But Bruce, who has already signed Mikael Forssell for £3m, is only prepared to pay £1.5m up front, with another £1m based on appearances and success. Bruce earlier said: "We've been in discussions and it's fair to say that we are a million miles apart in our valuations. "When you see the price Deportivo want for Pandiani and the price we paid for Mikael, it puts things in perspective. Mikael is 24."

Basinas waits on Birmingham deal
Greek international Angelos Basinas is waiting for Panathinaikos to strike deal with Birmingham after agreeing personal terms with the Blues. Panathinaikos have turned down a £265,000 bid for the 29-year-old and insist they want £400,000. A spokesman for Basinas said: "He has agreed with them regarding the economic part. Their offer is fantastic and he wants to play for them." But Panathinaikos insist Birmingham must up their bid before he can leave. Panathinaikos spokesman Theologus Alexandratos said: "There is no agreement yet. Birmingham made an offer on Monday but it was not as good as we had expected. "As a result the offer was turned down. The player wants to play in the Premiership so Birmingham will have to increase their offer a little bit." Basinas played every game for Greece when they won Euro 2004, had also been the subject of an enquiry from Portsmouth, though no offer was made. He came through Panathinaikos' youth system and signed a professional contract with them in 1995. Portsmouth are understood to have tried to sign the midfielder one month ago, but Basinas turned down the south-coast club. Basinas, who does not speak much English, has a contract with Panathinaikos until next summer

Birmingham complete Nafti signing
Birmingham City have secured the permanent signing of Racing Santander's Tunisian midfielder Mehdi Nafti. The 26-year-old impressed while on loan at St Andrews at the start of 2005 and has penned a three-year deal. Nafti has been told he can report for pre-season training later than the rest of the squad after playing in the Confederations Cup in Germany. The midfielder, who signed for an undisclosed fee, will link up with the rest of the his team-mates on 6 July. Birmingham manager Steve Bruce had made clear his desire to keep Nafti back in April. He said: "I have seen enough to realise that Nafti would be a valuable addition to the squad if circumstances allowed. "There are still some issues with his club, where he has another year left of his contract, and we will see how it goes. "But he has fitted in very well at Birmingham and you saw against Chelsea just what he is capable of producing." Nafti started his career with French side Toulouse before moving to Racing Santander in the 2000/01 season. The Carthage Eagles player was born in Toulouse but helped Tunisia to success in last year's African Cup of Nations.

Izzet eyes fresh start with Blues
Birmingham midfielder Muzzy Izzet is determined to fight for a place in Steve Bruce's side after recovering from a long-term knee injury. The 30-year-old left Leicester for Birmingham last summer but knee surgery restricted him to 10 appearances. "Hopefully I can now put all that behind me and kick on during the new season with Birmingham," he Izzet. "I do feel I have got something to prove to show everyone why Steve Bruce had the faith to bring me to the club." The Turkish international will join up with the rest of the Birmingham squad when pre-season training begins on Wednesday. And Birmingham boss Bruce is also pleased to have Izzet back in the ranks, even though he has already moved to bolster his midfield by signing Mehdi Nafti. "Muzzy was one of the key players, like David Dunn and Mikael Forssell, who were out injured for most of last season," said Bruce. "I had been pleased with him before he got injured and now all he is hoping for is a good run without any more setbacks."

Baggies clinch signing of Carter
West Brom have signed Darren Carter from Birmingham for £1.5m, with Everton's Steve Watson set to follow. Watson, 31, is out of contract at Goodison Park and held talks with West Brom boss Bryan Robson at the club's training ground on Monday. Carter, 21, signed after passing a medical on Monday and manager Bryan Robson said: "I'm really pleased we've added Darren to the squad. "He is a very promising youngster who has a big future ahead of him." Robson added: "Darren has very good stamina and is very much a box-to-box player who can play in the centre of midfield or wide on the left. "He is also left footed which gives us good balance in the squad, he has a good presence and he'll also make improvements when he gets a run in the team. "Like Richard Chaplow, he has a big future if he keeps his feet on the ground - he is a good investment for the club." Watson has yet to make his mind up whether to join West Brom after five seasons at Goodison Park. The 31-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, has been offered a new deal to stay at Everton but is uncertain where he would fit into boss David Moyes' plans. Meanwhile, Robson expects to know by the end of the week whether he can take midfielder Kieran Richardson on loan for another season. The Manchester United player was an influential figure in West Brom's Premiership survival. But Richardson's stock was also raised when he scored two goals on his England debut in Chicago last month and will now discuss where his future lies with Sir Alex Ferguson this week. "There will be a few people after Kieran after the way he performed for us last season and then what he did for England," said Robson. "But his future will not be resolved until Sir Alex Ferguson has had a word with Kieran and his dad. "I know that meeting is going to happen some time this week but what I am confident about is if Kieran is going to go out on loan, he'll be at West Brom next season."

View Full Version: Birmingham City