Foster looking to revive career with Birmingham move
BIRMINGHAM have moved quickly to lay the groundwork for next season with a double swoop for England goalkeeper Ben Foster and Spanish youngster Enric Valles.
Foster, 27, is poised to complete his £6m move from Manchester United after undergoing a medical in the midlands yesterday.
He will be expected to be the Blues’ new No1, after they failed to extend Joe Hart’s highly successful loan from Manchester City into a second season.
The former Stoke player is looking to kick-start his career, having proven unable to dislodge United first-choice Edwin van der Sar during five years at Old Trafford.
He fluffed his chance when the Dutch veteran missed the early part of last season through injury, and has since been dropped from Fabio Capello’s England squad.
Foster will be joined at St Andrews next season by former Barcelona youth product Valles, 20, who has agreed to move from NAC Breda.
The Spaniard, who only made four appearances in two seasons at the Dutch top-flight club, is available on a free transfer and will formally complete his switch on 1 July.
“I am really happy because I think it’s a great opportunity to play in the Premier League,” said Valles, who prefers to play on the left of midfield.
“A lot of Spanish players have done really well in the Premier League and I hope I can do well too.”
Blues manager Alex McLeish is also thought to be considering whether to raise his offer for Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia.