Cameron Jerome last night put the finishing touches to a contract that will keep him with Birmingham City for the next four years. After passing a medical, the striker sealed a transfer from Cardiff City that could cost £4 million.
Jerome, aged 19, who hails from Yorkshire, scored 20 goals in 47 appearances for Cardiff and is the first significant signing made by Birmingham since their relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship.
The move appears to suggest a change in policy at St Andrew's. Whereas in previous seasons, Steve Bruce has acquired expensive players with large reputations, the Birmingham manager now appears to be looking to sign young players with potential.
Jerome is not the finished article but is already one of the most talented strikers in the Football League. "I am still young and I am still listening and learning and that is why I have come to Birmingham," Jerome said.
"I had a really good season last year at Cardiff and there was a fair bit of speculation about people coming in for me. Any striker who scores 20 goals has had a good season.
"Steve Bruce is a very good manager and I admire him a lot. I have done so since I was a kid because I supported Manchester United. I spoke to him and realised that this would be another step up the ladder for me at such a young age. Birmingham are a massive club and it's a big opportunity for me.
"I want to help us get back up to the Premiership because that is where this club belongs. That is why I have come here because my ambition is to play in the Premier League and I want to do that with Birmingham City."
Meanwhile, Blues youngster Neil Kilkenny's dream of competing in the World Cup for Australia came a step closer to reality when he was placed on a stand-by list for the tournament.
The midfield player has been invited by Guus Hiddink, the Australia head coach, to join the squad for a t raining camp in The Netherlands.
Kilkenny is not part of Australia's 23-man squad but could force his way into the reckoning if someone picks up an injury. If he is fortunate, he will join Stan Lazaridis, the former Birmingham winger, in the squad.
Kilkenny, aged 20, was born in London and has represented England at Under-19 level but he grew up in Brisbane and is eligible to represent Australia.
He was one of the few positive aspects of an otherwise depressing season for Birmingham last season. Kilkenny was voted the club's young player of the year and he is expected to have a more significant role to play now that Birmingham are in the Championship.
Australia open their campaign against Japan on June 12 and can replace injured players up to 1pm British time on June 10.
