Birmingham City: Tom Adeyemi's Cardiff move 'gutting' - Lee Clark

Adeyemi was made vice-captain by Birmingham boss Lee Clark this summer

Birmingham City manager Lee Clark says the club "did everything" to try and keep midfielder Tom Adeyemi.

to Cardiff City on Thursday, only two days after he handed in a formal transfer request.

Adeyemi joined the Blues in June 2013 having been released by Norwich, and went on to play 40 games last season.

"I'm gutted that we've lost one of the most powerful, talented midfielders in this league. We tried everything to keep him within our means," said Clark.

"But he wanted to leave, so the club got the best deal we could - it's a very, very good deal for a player with only a year left on his contract."

Birmingham's Championship rivals Cardiff moved for Adeyemi shortly after the sale of Jordon Mutch to Queens Park Rangers for £6m - another player the Bluebirds signed from St Andrew's.

Born in Norwich, Adeyemi progressed through his hometown club's academy and later worked with Clark during the Birmingham boss's time on the coaching staff at Carrow Road.

"I've known Tom since he was a 14-year-old and I brought him here as an unknown quantity," Clark told BBC WM 95.6.

"I think there's a potential Premier League player in there, but now we move on. Other players will get an opportunity, and I've got targets in mind should we need to bring someone in."