Blues bag The Rifle

Birmingham managed to seal a late loan deal to sign Walter Pandiani.

Uruguayan marksman Pandiani will join Steve Bruce's side on loan until the end of the season, although they do not have an option to buy him in the summer.

The 28-year-old had been looking to leave Estadio Riazor after falling out of favour with Depor coach Javier Irureta.

Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle were interested parties, along with Italian side Fiorentina, but Blues have managed to win the race for his signature.

Depor had quoted a £4 million asking price to sign Pandiani, but the Spanish side agreed to loan him out at the last minute, with the player looking to play regularly between now and the end of the season.

Club president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro says that the player and coach both thought that the best option for now was for Pandiani to find first team action elsewhere.

"The move is the one the player has insisted on and we think that it is the best option," said Lendoiro.

"In addition the trainer, Javier Irureta, was already expecting this to happen.

"We have not looked for any replacement for him."

Bruce will be delighted to have landed a top class striker, after failing in his pursuit of Craig Bellamy

'The Rifle' has banged in 50 league goals during his 128 appearances in Spain, and has been a constant scorer for Depor.

He notched six goals in the UEFA Champions League last season as Depor made the semi-finals, and if he could replicate that form he could be a major asset for Bruce.

The deal went through just before the transfer window slammed shut, and he could even figure for Blues in Wednesday's match with Southampton, if they receive international clearance in time.