BRUCE `SURPRISE` AT MIDO DEAL

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has revealed the chance to sign Mido on a permanent deal from Tottenham came as "a bit of a surprise".

The Blues confirmed yesterday they had agreed a £6million fee for the Egyptian striker with Spurs, while reports today suggest Mido's compatriot and club-mate Hossam Ghaly is also to join City in a £3million deal.

Former Roma striker Mido would be City's seventh permanent signing of the summer if he agrees personal terms and passes a medical at St Andrews, but Bruce revealed the initial intention was to bring the player in on loan.

He told the Daily Mail: "We started off negotiating a loan. Then I was told we could buy Mido and Ghaly too. It was a bit of a surprise.

"Our board have realised, as well as I have, that you must be competitive in this current market. So we've made a big investment and I'm absolutely delighted."

Taken from =football365=