Lee Bowyer and Christian Benitez expected to sign for Birmingham City this morning
Jul 7 2009 Exclusive By Colin Tattum
BIRMINGHAM City are expected to formally announce the signing of Lee Bowyer on a free transfer from West Ham United imminently.
And talks to renegotiate the Christian Benitez deal are reaching a satisfactory conclusion.
Bowyer’s switch was effectively done and dusted a fortnight ago but was not announced officially as the midfielder departed for a holiday.
Blues report back to Wast Hills tomorrow for pre-season training and the formalities to Bowyer’s move should be completed well before then.
Bowyer enjoyed a successful loan from the Hammers, adding significant impetus to Blues’ successful push for Championship promotion.
His form and attitude convinced Alex McLeish that he would be an asset on a permanent basis, and Bowyer said he was keen to stay at St Andrew’s.
As for Benitez, Blues have been working relentlessly to thrash out a new accord with his club, Mexican outfit Santos Laguna.
The Ecuador ace was due to complete a potential £9 million move by the end of last week, but his medical showed up a worrying knee complaint.
Blues stressed that they couldn’t proceed. However, there was a willingness by all parties to compromise.
Blues are understood to have had a ‘get-out’ clause inserted in the new agreement that they can activate at the season’s end should Benitez break down.
