Djourou deal in the bag?

Djourou deal in the bag?

It is looking more and more likely that Birmingham have tied up a season-long loan deal for Arsenal defender Djourou.

The 20-year old has been under the scrutiny of Steve Bruce for most of the close season and has made no secret of his desire to bring the youngster to St Andrew`s for a year.

Djourou has made a total of 45 appearances for Arsenal and has already been capped five times for Switzerland. Steve Bruce will be hoping that Birmingham`s good relationship will Arsenal will seal this deal in time for him to start the season with Blues.

As there are already some injury problems (Sadler, Schmitz, Taylor and Johnson all out), it`s certain that the club will want to make sure there is adequate cover at the back.

Although Damien Johnson is principally a midfielder, he can also slot in at right back and even with the recent additions of Ridgewell and Queudrue, Bruce may well feel that he needs to ensure that Birmingham are not badly affected by injuries as they were in their last season in the Premiership.

Djourou would certainly fit the bill and may feel he will get more first team action than at the Emirates, where competition for places is likely to be fierce.