Birmingham land Forssell!

[Morrison]

Birmingham City have signed Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell in a deal worth £3 million.

It is the third time in his career that the highly-rated Finn has signed for Blues, but on this occasion he will not be going back to the Premiership champions.

He first arrived at St Andrews in 2003 and bagged 17 goals, before sealing another season-long loan last summer - only to suffer a bad knee injury in September which saw him sidelined for over six months.

The 24-year-old has now returned to full fitness and Birmingham have won the race to sign him.

Everton had also been interested and held talks last week, but it is reported The Toffees were unconvinced by the player's overall fitness.

Forssell originally arrived in England in 1998 from HJK Helsinki, but he has had little chance to impress at Stamford Bridge as he has spent most of his time on loan.

He had spells with Crystal Palace (twice) and Borussia Monchengladbach before he joined Birmingham.

[Morrison]

Mikael Forssell has revealed Steve Bruce persuaded him to change his mind to join Birmingham City rather than Everton.

After reiterating that reports of a failed medical at Goodison Park were untrue, the Finland international was clearly delighted to secure a permanent switch from Chelsea.

When asked how big an influence Bruce was on the decision to sign for the Midlanders, the Finland striker admitted it was a "massive factor".

"I spoke to Steve and he really made me change my mind and come here," he told Sky Sports News.

"I know the fans are great here, the set-up and everything is fantastic so I'm very pleased."

Forssell has no doubts his troublesome knee will stand up to the rigours of a full season at Premiership level.

"There was a lot of interest from loads of clubs," he revealed. "It was very good for my situation but I decided to come here.

"I know the place and see Birmingham having a very bright future and I want to be a part of it.

"I was hoping to have a great season but it was cut short. I'm back fit again and ready to go next season.

"I've been fit now for the last two or three months and it's feeling good.

"I'm very pleased. I had the medical today and everything went well.

"Everybody knows I'm fit so I just want to forget about the knee and show everybody I can score goals."

[premfan]

Absolutely unbelievable signing!! With all the trouble Chelsea are having with finding a 20 goal a season striker, they let the one who could have done the job slip away!