Birmingham City have completed the signing of midfielder Gary Gardner from local rivals Aston Villa.

This a move that has been expected for days now, with winger Jota thought to be heading the other way to link up with former boss Dean Smith.

However, if that is to happen, they will be separate deals, because Blues have announced on their official site that Gardner has arrived on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old was way down the pecking order at Villa Park and spent last season at Birmingham, playing 40 games for Garry Monk's men and impressing on the whole as they managed to stay up despite suffering a points deduction in March.

[ad_pod ]

He was unable to play in the fierce west Midlands derby against Villa due to a clause in his loan deal.

The local lad, who has supported Blues his whole life, will once again link up with his brother Craig at St. Andrew's and will hope to play a key part for Blues moving forward after finally leaving Villa on a permanent basis having come through the academy there.

The Verdict

This is a good signing for Blues as Gardner proved himself to be a very good, reliable performer last season for Monk.

He does a fine job for the team and excels in the role that the manager demands from him and given his loan spell there should be no issues in terms of him fitting in.

So, it's a good deal for Blues and Jota is sure to be the next player to cross the divide when his deal is finally announced.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.