Blues agree Arsenal loans

Birmingham have agreed a deal with Arsenal for Fabrice Muamba and Seb Larsson.

Sunderland had been chasing England youth international Muamba, but The Blues have won the race to land the highly-rated midfielder.

Swede Larsson, who can play in midfield or defence, will also join Muamba at St Andrews for the duration of next term as both will sign on long-term loans.

Despite the imminent arrival of Muamba and Larsson, manager Steve Bruce wants two or three more players - with a central defender and another forward high on his list of priorities.

Portsmouth's Andy O'Brien is said to be on Bruce's list of potential targets in defence, while he also confirmed that a new bid for Coventry's Gary McSheffrey would be made.

"You can't have a big enough squad and, as we stand at the moment, we're a little bit thin," said Bruce.

"I am still trying to bring in another two or three players on top of the Arsenal lads. It's no secret that we are after a striker.

"We will revisit the Gary McSheffrey thing from Coventry City, I am sure, and see if we can do anything there. We also have a few other irons in the fire."