Birmingham break their transfer record for a defender to snare Cardiff ace

Newly promoted Birmingham have signed yet another defender as they continue to invest heavily their quest for Premier League survival.

The Championship runners-up returned to the second tier of English football to secure the services of highly rated centre-back Roger Johnson from Cardiff for £5 million – the most they have paid for a defender.

The 26-year-old impressed in Cardiff's famous FA Cup run two years ago and has been linked with a move to the top flight for the last 12 months.

Johnson becomes the third centre-back signed by the Blues, following the arrival of experienced Ecuador international Giovanny Espinoza and talented stopper Scott Dann from Coventry.

Birmingham have now spent a reported £18 million on new players as they attempt to avoid immediate relegation back to the Championship.

Johnson's performances last season were rewarded with a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year and were worth 41 Fantasy League points for five goals, four assists and 13 clean sheets.