Schmitz close to Blues move

Birmingham are poised to make their seventh signing of the summer with Lille central defender Rafael Schmitz to join the midlands club on a season-long loan.

The Brazilian is to undergo a two-part medical after agreeing to make the temporary switch from France to St Andrews.

Blues manager Steve Bruce has been keen to add to his back four since the departure of the experienced Bruno N’Gotty to Leicester at the end of the last campaign.

Bruce said: “We saw Lille play in the league against Paris St Germain and Auxerre and Rafael impressed both times – and in the Champions League as well.”

The City boss has already signed Fabrice Muamba, Stuart Parnaby, Olivier Kapo, Garry O’Connor, Daniel de Ridder and Richard Kingson – the latter subject to obtaining a work permit – this summer.

However, Bruce is aware he has to wheel and deal to bring in new blood as Birmingham do not have the same financial clout as many Premiership clubs.

He said: “Even in the 12 months we’ve been out of the Premiership we’ve noticed a change. Our closest rivals (Aston Villa) have spent £8.5m on one player (Nigel Reo-Coker). That’s our entire budget.

“I’m green with envy but that’s not possible for me. I’d love to be in a different market but, although we are not, I still think we can be competitive.”

Bruce admits he may have to go down the same route as with the capture of Schmitz if he is to further bolster his squad.

He said: “The way the prices have gone in this country now, it’s a route we are going to have to go down again.”