Birmingham sign Joe Hart on a season-long loan

Promoted Premier League side Birmingham City have signed England U-21 International Joe Hart on a season-long loan from Manchester City

Hart will be officially unveiled after England’s under-21 European Championship campaign finishes in Sweden.

He has already helped England into the semi-finals.

Following the 2-0 win over Spain on Thursday, Blues concluded negotiations with Manchester City and the Shrewsbury-born Hart.

Hart’s arrival will come as a blow to regular number one Maik Taylor, as presumably the 22-year-old will have been given certain guarantees that he will play.

Hart is determined to force his way into full England reckoning for the World Cup and wants regular football next season, albeit on loan.

Taylor himself also wants week in, week out action to maintain his standing as Northern Ireland’s first choice as they attempt to qualify for the finals in South Africa.

Taylor, who has a year left on his contract, said he was prepared to scrap for his place.

“The gaffer is trying to strengthen in every position and that might include in goal,” he said, speaking before Hart’s capture was wrapped-up.

“I have only read the papers like everyone else and we have been linked with Joe Hart and I don’t have a problem with that.

“I will work hard in pre-season and if a new ‘keeper comes in I am more than happy to fight for my place.”

Hart moved to Manchester from Shrewsbury for £1.5million in 2006 and impressed after being given an extended opportunity by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

But Shay Given’s January arrival saw him lose his place and it was agreed with Mark Hughes that he would be loaned in order to gain more experience, and boost his England chances.

City still see Hart as the long-term successor to Given and have told Blues that they have no plans to sell him at present.