Birmingham close in on McFadden

Birmingham are closing in on the signing of Everton striker James McFadden.

The Scotland international is understood to be set to discuss personal terms before undergoing a medical.

Blues agreed in principle to match Everton’s valuation of the player – around £5m – although there are still some negotiations to be conducted.

Blues had previous offers of £2.5m and £3m rejected by the Toffees.

However, co-owner David Sullivan and chairman David Gold agreed to up the offer after being in consultation with manager Alex McLeish and managing director Karren Brady.

McFadden has been the number one transfer target in January for McLeish who yesterday snapped up Hibernian full-back David Murphy for £1.5m.

However, he is also close to agreeing a loan deal with Qatar League champions Al Sadd for Argentinian striker Mauro Zarate.

Al Sadd have announced on their official website that they club have accepted the offer from City to secure the services of the 20-year-old striker until the end of the season.

Zarate joined Al Sadd from Argentinian top flight side Velez Sarsfield but he failed to settle in with the Doha giants as he scored only three goals in 12 matches.

McLeish is also hoping to sign a centre-half and a midfield player before the transfer window closes.

Birmingham have held talks with Lazio with a view to trying to take defender Guglielmo Stendardo on loan.