Birmingham get Savage

Welsh international Robbie Savage will join English FA Premiership newcomers Birmingham City FC in a €4m deal from one of the sides they are replacing in the top flight, Leicester City FC, subject to a medical.

Chance meeting
Savage revealed that the deal was set in motion on the morning of Birmingham's promotion play-off victory over Norwich City FC. The midfield player was staying at the same Cardiff hotel as the Birmingham team ahead of a Wales friendly and bumped into Blues' manager Steve Bruce. "I said to the manager on the morning of the game if they went up I would sign for them," Savage said.

'We are delighted'
Bruce, who thought Savage was initially joking, said: "It soon became apparent I was genuinely interested and we are delighted to have signed him. I have known Robbie since he was a kid and know what I am getting. He will be a marvellous acquisition for the club. I am delighted to have someone of his quality who has played in the Premiership for five years."

Leicester clear-out
The sale of the former Crewe Alexandra FC and Manchester United FC player Savage is expected to be one of several involving leading Leicester team members this summer as the club adapts to the prospect of life in the first division.