Birmingham prevent Seb Larsson joining Manchester City

Last updated : 31 January 2011 By Daily Mail

Birmingham have prevented Manchester City from making a bid for winger Sebastian Larsson.

The Sweden international, whose contract runs out this summer, has been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Eastlands.

But sources close to Birmingham are adamant the only concrete bids for the Sweden international came from Aston Villa and Newcastle.

City switch: Midfielder Larsson is set to swap Birmingham for Manchester

Those two potential deals fell through because the Larsson was unable to come to agreement over personal terms.

Following speculation concerning Seb Larsson's future atBlues, Birmingham's acting chairman Peter Pannu said: 'Regarding Seb, although his agent had failed to reachany agreement with Newcastle and Villa , their loss may be our gain ashopefully closer to the window, we can sit down with Seb again and with themarket tested by his agent , we can come to a sensible agreement finally.'

Meanwhile, the Blues remain confident that striker Obafemi Martinswill complete his loan move from Rubin Kazan before the transfer windowcloses.

Birmingham have taken a major step towards sealing the deal by obtaining a work permit for the former Newcastle player.

Now it is a case of Martins passing a medical and agreeing personalterms - and City sources are optimistic there should be no majorobstacles to the deal going ahead.

Blues manager Alex McLeish, however, will take nothing for granteduntil Martins has formally signed after failing in his bid to signRobbie Keane and Kenny Miller.

If the deal goes through, Martins could make his debut in Wednesday's home clash with Manchester City.

?Birmingham seal loan deal for former Newcastle striker MartinsBirmingham striker crisis eased as Zigic switch back to Spain hits snag

?Explore more:People: Alex McLeish, Sebastian Larsson Places: Birmingham, Newcastle

Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail