Tottenham midfielder David Bentley has joined Birmingham City on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 26-year-old, who joined Spurs from Blackburn Rovers for a reported £15m in 2008, has made just three appearances this season and has been regularly linked with a move away from White Hart Lane.
Sunderland and Newcastle United were reportedly in the race to land Bentley, but the former Arsenal man has decided to make the move to St Andrew’s, delighting Blues boss Alex McLeish.
McLeish said: “He is a classy footballer and will enhance the quality of the squad.
He is a natural footballer capable of top delivery at set-pieces. With the likes of him, (Alexander) Hleb and (Sebastian) Larsson, who has had a great season consistency-wise, we have creative players. Bentley can provide more competition.
“He has had his moments at Spurs, but there is fierce competition for places there.
“They have a glut of superstars at Spurs. With the introduction of people like (Rafael) van der Vaart, players of that ilk, and the rise of (Aaron) Lennon, it has become very difficult for him.
“The quality is amazing and maybe he can get his career back on track here.”