Blues closing in on Martins deal

Birmingham are confident of completing the loan signing of former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins before the transfer window closes tonight.

The Rubin Kazan player flew into England yesterday to finalise terms – with a view to a permanent move to St. Andrew’s in the summer – before undergoing a medical today.

City were optimistic of obtaining a new work permit for the Nigerian international.

Martins already has a permit but it is null and void as he left this country to join Wolfsburg from the Magpies 18 months ago.

Blues boss Alex McLeish has been desperate to bring in a new striker throughout January.

He has already failed in attempts to sign Robbie Keane from Tottenham and Kenny Miller from Rangers.

Birmingham are hopeful of retaining another striker in Cameron Jerome – a target for Stoke – after the England Under-21 player made it clear he wants to stay at St. Andrew’s.

But the picture is less clear as regards £6million signing, Nikola Zigic, with Racing Santander wanting to sign him on loan or in a permanent deal.

McLeish indicated last week that it would be “difficult to let Ziggy go” if he repeats the form shown in the Carling Cup semi-final win over West Ham.

The former Scotland boss made the same point to City’s acting chairman, Peter Pannu, on Saturday.