Johnson poised to sign for Birmingham

Newly-promoted Birmingham are poised to further strengthen their squad after having an offer accepted for Cardiff defender Roger Johnson.

Blues boss Alex McLeish sealed a season-long loan deal for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart this morning, and has wasted no time in moving back into the transfer market to bolster his back line.

“We can officially confirm that we have come to a financial agreement with Birmingham City Football Club for the permanent transfer of Roger Johnson,” Cardiff said in a statement.

“Roger has now been given permission to talk to the newly promoted Premiership side.”

Cardiff have been resigned to losing Johnson this summer after he expressed a desire to join a Premier League club.

Johnson, 26, has made 129 appearances and scored 14 goals for Birmingham since signing from Wycombe for £275,000 three seasons ago.

If the deal goes through, the 6ft 3in Johnson is likely to partner another new signing, 22-year-old Scott Danns, who has joined Birmingham from Coventry.