Kapo adds to Blues strength

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce made his fourth signing of the close season yesterday when the Blues put the finishing touches to the capture of midfielder Olivier Kapo.

Kapo, a France international, will cost the club £3m from Juventus and has agreed a three-year deal at St Andrews, with the option of two further years.

He joins Garry O’Connor, Fabrice Muamba and former Middlesbrough man Stuart Parnaby in linking up with Bruce ahead of the Blues’ second assault on the Barclays Premier League.

The 27-year-old was born in the Ivory Coast but moved to France at a young age before going on to represent his adopted country at Under-21 level.

The midfielder has made nine senior international appearances, scoring three goals.

His move to the Blues represents something of a coup for the midlands club, who faced reported competition from domestic rivals Everton and Fulham as well as Primera Liga sides Real Mallorca and Real Betis.

One of Kapo’s jobs will be to provide chances for O’Connor, a £2.7m buy from Lokomotiv Moscow on Thursday and the Scotland striker is certain he can be a success.

He told the club’s website, www.bcfc.com: “I can’t wait for the opportunity to play in the Premier League and it’s something that I’m determined to grab with both hands.

“I am confident in my ability and, given the chances, I am sure that I can score goals in the Premier League.”