Birmingham City transfers: Brighton star ‘interested’ amid Southampton links as medical booked

Birmingham City have 'sealed' a £3m deal for US Cremonese defender Emanuel Aiwu, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

It was reported by the Italian journalist last night that, an agreement was completed between Blues and the Serie B outfit, and now they can push ahead with completing the deal. He added that 'medical tests booked on Tuesday', which signals that the deal is close to completion, and that he will likely become the tenth signing of the summer transfer window.

Aiwu is a central defender and has been linked with a move to England for the last year with Burnley said to have been keen on him, whilst he was in the Championship. The 22-year-old only joined Cremonese from Admira Wacker a year ago for £3m, and so this will represent a considerable fee for Birmingham City.

The Austrian's arrival is likely to spark an end in interest for Jonathan Panzo, who has apparently been made available for sale by Nottingham Forest. Football Insider reported that Forest are 'open to selling the defender' and that he is a target for Birmingham, as well as their Carabao Cup opponents Cardiff City, and their Welsh rivals Swansea City.

Meanwhile, Birmingham are said to be battling it out with Leicester City and Southampton for the signature of striker Andi Zeqiri. Charlie Gordon, a senior sports reporter for the Daily Express said: ‘Understand Birmingham City are one of several Championship clubs pushing hard to sign Brighton's Andi Zeqiri on a permane tdeal this week. 24yo is interested in the project. Leicester and Southampton have also been keeping track.’

The seven-time Switzerland international has returned to England, having had a prolific spell back in his homeland. He scored 14 goals in 35 matches for FC Basel last season, and would for sure bolster the front line at Blues.