Danns joins Blues

Colchester midfielder Neil Danns has completed his £850,000 (€1.2m) switch to Coca-Cola Championship rivals Birmingham, subject to a medical.

The 23-year-old, who hit 16 goals from midfield as Colchester earned promotion from League One for the first time in their history last season, has agreed a three-year deal at St Andrews.

The Blues have agreed an initial fee of £500,000 (€733,000) with Colchester, which could eventually rise to £850,000 (€1.2m) depending on appearances.

“We are delighted to capture the services of such an exciting young player,” City boss Steve Bruce told the club website, www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk.

“He plays with a tremendous commitment and energy and will be a huge asset to our team.”

Colchester, who are currently in a state of limbo after manager Phil Parkinson tendered his resignation last week, could not persuade Danns to sign a new contract and reluctantly let the former Blackburn trainee leave.

Chief executive Marie Partner said: “Colchester made every effort to retain Neil’s services by offering an extensively improved contract that we felt was on a par with those offered by existing Championship clubs.

“Unfortunately Neil has moved on but he played an important part in our promotion story. Work now continues on finding a player who will do as well for us, if not better, as we prepare for life in the Championship.”