Birmingham sign defender Klarer for undisclosed fee

Christoph Klarer scores for Darmstadt against FC Koln

Birmingham City have made their seventh summer signing by bringing in centre-back Christoph Klarer from German Bundesliga 2 side Darmstadt for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old Austrian, who spent four years in Southampton’s academy, has signed a three-year contract.

His arrival follows those of goalkeepers Ryan Allsop and Bailey Peacock-Farrell, striker Alfie May, winger Emil Hansson, full-back Alex Cochrane and midfielder Willum Thor Willumsson.

Relegated Blues are now managed by former Celtic, Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur number two Chris Davies.

They start the new League One season with a home game against Reading on Saturday, 10 August.

After going down on the final day in May, following a nightmare campaign of six different men in charge, this will be their first season back in England's third tier in 30 years.