Neal Eardley: Birmingham City to sign Blackpool defender

Birmingham City have agreed to sign Blackpool defender Neal Eardley on a three-year deal when his contract with the Tangerines expires on 1 July.

The 24-year-old, who began his career at Oldham before moving to Bloomfield Road, had been in talks with Blackpool over extending his deal.

However the Wales international has moved to St Andrew's after making 119 appearances for the Lancashire side.

He was part of the Blackpool team to be promoted to the Premier League in 2010.

The full-back played 31 top-flight games under then Tangerines boss Ian Holloway following their promotion, but was part of the team relegated 12 months later.

He become the club's fourth new summer signing, following Inverness midfielder Andrew Shinnie, Motherwell keeper Darren Randolph and Huddersfield Town striker Lee Novak.

Blues also completed the signing of young midfielder Olly Lee, who, having initially arrived on loan from Barnet in March, completed a move on a free transfer.