BLUES COMPLETE MARTINS DEAL
Blues have today bolstered their forward line by signing former Newcastle and Nigerian international striker Obafemi Martins on a six-month international loan.
Following a successful work permit application, the 26-year-old move to St. Andrew's from Russian club Rubin Kazan can be confirmed.
Blues boss Alex McLeish has been determined to sign a striker with proven Barclays Premier League experience and Martins, who will wear number 17, fits that bill.
During a three year spell with Newcastle between 2006-09 he scored 39 goals in 105 appearances for the Magpies.
His form with Newcastle earned him a £9m move to German champions Wolfsburg in August 2009.
After a year in the Bundesliga, where he scored six times in 16 appearances, he was on the again to link up with Russian Premier League champions Rubin Kazan in a deal reportedly in the region of 17m Euros.
Born in Lagos, Martins began his footballing career in his country with local side FC Ebedei.
His talent brought him to the attention of scouts from Italian side Reggiana, with whom he spent a season before he was snapped up by Inter Milan.
After four seasons at Internazionale (85 appearances, 28 goals) he made the switch over to the UK to join Newcastle.
On the international stage, Martins has represented Nigeria 38 times and found the net 18 times.
Following the capture of the star striker, the club's third signing of the January transfer window, Blues' acting chairman Peter Pannu said: "We are thrilled to have secured the three players in this window, which represents a comprehensive strengthening and support for our back four in Curtis (Davies), rejuvenation of the midfield in (David) Bentley and further strengthening of the attack line in Martins.
"I am certain these new additions will augment and supplement what we already have and create some competition within the team for places which benefits the whole squad. I wish the new recruits the best of luck and I am certain they will settle in well."
Following speculation concerning Seb Larsson's future at Blues, Pannu added: "Regarding Seb, although his agent had failed to reach any agreement with Newcastle and Villa , their loss may be our gain as hopefully closer to the window, we can sit down with Seb again and with the market tested by his agent , we can come to a sensible agreement finally."
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