Blues foiled on Tskitishvili move

Tskitishvili was recently released by Greek side Panionios

Birmingham have failed in their efforts to sign Georgian midfielder Levan Tskitishvili after his request for a work permit was turned down.

The Blues had hoped to sign the 31-year-old free agent on loan until the end of the season.

Boss Alex McLeish even travelled to the Football Association's headquarters to put forward the case for the Georgian.

"We haven't received permission so that's a disappointment," said coach Roy Aitken.

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"That's dead and buried now, there's no right of appeal so it's finished with."

Tskitishvili has played for Dinamo Tbilisi, Freiburg and Wolfsburg and has won over 50 caps for his country.

He was recently released by Greek side Panionios.

Birmingham also missed out on the signing of Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill who signed for Bolton.