Woodhouse snapped up by Blues

Woodhouse goes into the squad to face Norwich

Birmingham have signed England Under-21 international Curtis Woodhouse in a £1m deal.

The 20-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Worthington Cup finalists and goes straight into the squad for the First Division clash with Norwich City at St Andrews.

The deal had originally hinged on Peter Ndlovu moving in the opposite direction to Sheffield United, but the Zimbabwean striker could not agree personal terms and was released on a free transfer.

"We could not afford to wait any longer for Peter Ndlovu's proposed move in the opposite direction so we have paid off the remainder of his contract," said Birmingham's managing director Karren Brady.

Ndlovu, who joined Blues in a £1.6m deal from Coventry, later agreed to join United despite a late bid to snatch his services from Huddersfield Town.