Gronkjaer on verge of move to Atletico Madrid
Atletico have offered Gronkjaer a two-and-a-half-year deal and, with personal terms expected to be a formality, the 27-year-old could make his debut against city rivals Real Madrid on January 9.
The transfer window prevents players from moving before January, meaning Gronkjaer will have to wait before officially completing his switch to the Vicente Calderon. His likely arrival, for a reported fee of £1.4m, is set to bring an end to Atletico’s protracted search for a right winger and comes as a huge relief to the club’s sporting director Toni Munoz who told www.clubatleticodemadrid.com: “The agreement with Birmingham has been reached between the clubs. Tonight we will meet with the player’s representative to finalise details of the contract and decide when he will sign.
“We heard good reports about him and we need a player like him.”
Atletico are currently seventh in the Primera Liga, but their European ambitions are currently being hampered by a lack of midfield creativity, especially on the wings.
And with striker Fernando Torres, one of the most highly-rated young talents in world football, desperate for better service, the Rojiblancos are hoping Gronkjaer can provide the width lacking so far this season.
The Dane has endured a miserable time at St Andrews after signing from Chelsea five months ago for £2.2m.
He has put in a series of inconsistent performances and failed to find the net in the Premiership this term.
His departure in January was widely expected and it comes as no surprise that Atletico, who were beaten to his signature by Birmingham over the summer, rekindled their interest.
The deal was reportedly struck between the clubs last night, with representatives of the Madrid club meeting a delegation from the Blues, headed by managing director Karren Brady and chairman David Gold.
Meanwhile, Steve Bruce has insisted Birmingham midfielder Robbie Savage is not for sale during the January transfer window.
Bruce had reportedly told the Welsh international he could leave Blues and move to Blackburn Rovers next month.
The Blues chief admitted he would not stand in the way of any player who wants to quit the midlands club, but he is keen for Savage to remain at St Andrews.
Bruce said: “I was not singling out Robbie. In general, if any player doesn’t want to play for me or our club, then I’m hardly going to want them about the place.
“I was not referring to Robbie specifically. I want to stress that Robbie is not for sale. He’s an important part of our team, a big player for us.
“I’ve said all along that every player has his price - even someone like Steven Gerrard. But I doubt if Blackburn could afford Robbie anyway.”
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